LAKE CHARLES, LA: Maybe this is your first time hearing this, but we have all the details on why and when the government will take over your cell phone tomorrow.

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According to a press release from FEMA, the government will be testing its new emergency alert system. All consumer electronics on October 4 will be taken over at 1:20 pm CST and last for about 30 minutes.

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We first reported the details of this federal government device takeover last month on our website.

The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state:

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.

 

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In addition to taking over cell phones, the government will also be sending EAS messages on TV and radio stations across Louisiana and the nation at the same time and that will last about one minute.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the EAS systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is Oct. 11.

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