If you have any phones laying around that you’d rather other people not know about, be aware that they’re scheduled to blare into life this morning.

Press release from the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services:

To help ensure the national alert and warning system is ready to provide timely, accurate information during the next disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test at approximately 11:20 a.m. PT on Wednesday, October 4.

This 1-minute test alert sent to TVs, radios and smartphones is similar to the weekly or monthly testing that happens on a local and regional level. The message that appears on phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

The message sent to smartphones will display in either English or Spanish, depending on the language settings.

No action is required by the public. This alert is simply a test of a robust readiness system should a nationwide alert be necessary in the future. If the October 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is October 11 at the same time.  

For more information on Wireless Emergency Alerts, including FAQs on the upcoming test, please visit fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts-wea.

The public is encouraged to register for emergency information specific to Humboldt County via Humboldt Alert. A test of the Humboldt Alert System will be conducted on Thursday, October 19 during the state’s observance of the Great California ShakeOut Drill.