Phone users across the USA was warned ahead of a nationwide cellphone test that took place on October 4, 2023. But what was the test for and what actually happened during it? Here’s everything you need to know.
As one of the most used electronics worldwide, the cell phone has proved to be a necessity. Not only that, but they assist in both emergencies and work-related services on a 24/7 basis.
Televisions and radios are also frequently used by people across the globe. And if one stops working, electronic users usually go berserk, as the device tends to aid in stress relief from its many capabilities.
Though not being able to use your handheld device or entertainment system may cause hysteria, users all over the USA had to abide by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on October 4, 2023, as all cell phones, televisions, and radios went through a nationwide test.
But what actually happened on the day of the test? Here’s everything you need to know.
Cell phone users warned Nationwide Test will sound like “The Purge”
To tame the fire before it sparked, TikToker NoahClennCarter issued a warning to all cell phone users about an upcoming nationwide test by FEMA.
The test took place at 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 4th. While wireless providers transmitted the test for 30 minutes, cell phone owners only received a brief warning on their phone that lasts about 60 seconds. FEMA was assessing the nationwide Emergency Alert System as well as Wireless Emergency Alerts.
Sources have revealed before the test that a voice may also be heard from your device saying something along the lines of, “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”
Users were not able to disable this warning, as it would override any device settings. However, FEMA stated that you may not hear the sound if your device is silenced.
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The test itself eas to ensure that in case of a national disaster, every electronic device would be notified within a 10-minute period.
The concept originated in 1951 when the Control of Electromagnetic Radiation created an alert system for radios to warn Americans about a possible Soviet Union attack. Though the mission proved to be unsuccessful at the time, as missiles were able to intercept the radio waves before warnings could be sent, the Emergency Alert System was established afterward, leading to our upcoming nationwide test.
What happened during the nationwide cellphone test on October 4th?
Even though people had been warned about the cellphone test, it didn’t stop people from getting shocked when the alarms started going off. Especially since it went on one minute before it was supposed to.
But the test also came with some consequences for some, as a TikToker revealed that the Nationwide Cellphone test had meant that several Amish people got shunned.
Videos were also shared on TikTok of people sharing their experiences. One video that went viral showed the aftermath of the test in a school cafeteria.
The creator of the video showed the state of the cafeteria, including several puddles on the floor from people dropping their drinks. They captioned the video: “HELP THAT ALARM SCARED THE SHIT OUTA ME.”
People went on to share the own experiences in the comment section, with one person writing: “Fr everyone was screaming at lunch and I was like why they screaming it’s just a alarm.”
Another one said: “They weren’t kidding when they said everywhere. My school alarm for a school shooting also played. I shat my pants.”