Here’s why some Americans didn’t receive the national emergency alert test
Federal Emergency Management Agency sent out alert at around 2.20pm ET
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The federal government has carried out its nationwide emergency alert drill but complaints have poured in from people who say they did not receive it.
A text message was sent to every TV, radio and mobile phone in the US at around 2.20pm ET on Wednesday as the federal government tested its Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts.
The test was carried out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in coordination with the Federal Communication Commission to prepare for any national emergency events that would require it to be sent out.
Before the test, FEMA said that if your phone was on and connected to a wireless provider then it would receive the test message.
There were only three circumstances that would prevent the message from being delivered; The phone was switched off; The phone was on “airplane mode” or the phone was not connected to a cell tower.
Hundreds of millions of US cell phones should have received an alert and text message that reads: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
But people took to social media platforms to complain that they had seemingly been left out.
“I didn’t get the emergency alert FEMA send it again,” wrote one X user.
“I didn’t get the emergency alert does that mean I’m safe from the zombie apocalypse,” wrote another.
And another added: “WHY DIDNT I GET THE EMERGENCY ALERT.......... oh I am so dead when the apocalypse comes.”
“I did not get the emergency alert. If aliens attack, I’ll never know,” posted another user.
“What the hellllll I didn’t get the 5g zombie emergency alert???? ripoff,” joked another.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments