Nationwide EMS Test set for Wednesday

NEBRASKA -- There will be a nationwide EMS test on Wednesday.

The nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) is set for Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 1:20 p.m.

Officials say the national test will help ensure that WEA and the EAS continue to be effective ways to warn the public about emergencies, especially those on a national level. 

All major U.S. wireless providers participate in WEA transmitting the national test to their subscribers. 

If your cell phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should get the national test. 

Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only get it once. 

The backup test date is Wednesday, Oct. 11.