FEMA delays test of presidential alert system until October 3
(WVLT) -- FEMA tweeted on Monday that the test of the presidential alert system will be postponed to October 3, 2018 at 2:18 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The delay comes because of severe weather across most of the east coast and ongoing response efforts, according to FEMA.
The wireless emergency alert system sends a message to your phone through a mobile carrier, FEMA says. The messages are different than text messages.
The system allows President Trump to send messages during a national emergency. According to FEMA, you can opt out of general wireless emergency alerts, but not presidential alerts.
Due to severe weather across much of the East Coast and ongoing response efforts, the national emergency alert test has been postponed to the backup date of Oct. 3, 2018 at 2:18 PM EDT.
— FEMA (@fema) September 17, 2018
If you have questions about the test, visit the FAQ at https://t.co/Op8T9AEpiF. pic.twitter.com/S9RYxyfdiv