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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2023
Media Contact:
Kia Xiong
Emergency Risk Communications Officer
Office of Emergency Management
Media Line (408) 808-7866
Email: [email protected]
The County of Santa Clara to Participate in Nationwide Test of Critical Emergency Alert Systems
Test planned for Oct. 4 at approximately 11:20 a.m. will send messages to all cell phones, radios and televisions
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – The County of Santa Clara will participate in the nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on Wednesday Oct. 4 at approximately 11:20 a.m. The tests ensure that these critical emergency communication systems are still effective in alerting the public about emergencies, particularly at the national level. No action is needed from the public.
The national test will encompass two critical components: (1) WEA, which impacts cell phones and (2) EAS, which targets radios and televisions.
The WEA test will be administered through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to cell phones across the country. The message will be displayed in either English or Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.
The message will read:
- “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
Spanish-language settings will display:
- “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
The EAS test will last approximately one minute and will include radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers. The test message will resemble the familiar monthly EAS test messages and will emphasize that it is only a test.
Santa Clara County community members are encouraged to prepare now for emergencies and disasters by taking the following preparedness steps to ensure their safety and that of their loved ones:
- Sign Up for AlertSCC:
Be informed by signing up for AlertSCC, the official emergency alert and warning system for the county. Visit www.alertscc.org to subscribe to local alerts. - Make a Plan:
Develop an emergency plan tailored to the household's specific needs and circumstances. Consider evacuation routes, communication methods, and how to get in touch with one another if household members become separated. - Build an Emergency Supply Kit:
Pack a Go Bag for when an evacuation is required and build a Stay Kit for when asked to shelter-in-place. Consider including essentials items like food, water, prescription medications, important documents, family pictures and other items. - Help Others:
Extend preparedness efforts by educating and assisting others in the community to make their own emergency plans and assemble essential kits.
For additional information about the nationwide test and further emergency preparedness tips, please go to www.preparescc.org.
Stay proactive, stay safe.
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About the Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is at the forefront of ensuring the safety and resilience of the Santa Clara County community. At OEM, our unwavering commitment is to protect lives, property, and the environment across all phases of emergency management: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. We understand the dynamic nature of emergencies and disasters and strive to create a safer and more resilient community for all.
Visit the OEM Website: www.preparescc.org
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