The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday will test two alert systems that can send messages to phones, televisions and radios nationwide.



The tests were originally scheduled for Sept. 20, but were postponed until Oct. 3 due to Hurricane Florence.



The first test involves FEMA's wireless emergency alert system and will take place at 2:18 p.m. It's the first national test for the system, according to FEMA.



The test message will pop up on any phones connected to wireless providers participating in the alert system, FEMA said. The message will have a header that reads "Presidential Alert" with the following text:



"THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."



Cell towers will broadcast the message for 30 minutes. FEMA said some phones that are not compatible with the system and will not receive the message.



Phones must also be within range of an active cell tower to get the test. Each phone should receive the test message only once.



The wireless alert system is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children and other emergencies. It will use the same special tone and vibration as other wireless alert messages such as tornado warnings and Amber Alerts, FEMA said.



Users cannot opt out of the test.



The second test will start at 2:20 p.m. It involves the emergency alert system that allows the president to communicate with the nation on radio and television during a national emergency, FEMA said.



The test will last about a minute and will be similar to routine monthly broadcast tests, according to the agency.



More details are available on FEMA's website.

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