Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Today at 2:20 p.m.

There will be a nationwide test today, October 4, of the emergency alert system and wireless emergency alerts. It will begin at approximately 2:20 pm ET. The purpose of the tests is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.

Every television, radio and cellphone in the United States is going to broadcast the following message around 2:20 pm ET: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." A comparable message in Spanish will be sent to phones that are set to Spanish.

Note: Victims of domestic abuse and others who keep a hidden phone for personal safety should turn off the device so its presence isn't inadvertently revealed when the alert sounds. More.