What: Twenty jurisdictions, including
Frederick County, will simultaneously issue a test message to the public
through the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. WEA is a public safety
alerting system allowing government officials to target emergency information
to a specific geographic area using an individual’s cell phone or other mobile
device. WEA allows the messaging to be more targeted and efficient, which is
critical during an emergency.
Individuals
in the participating jurisdictions will receive the following message: “A test of the Frederick County Emergency
Alert System. No action required.” The alert triggers a loud noise while
displaying the text message on cell phones and mobile devices. Individuals do
not sign up to receive a WEA alert.
Who: City of Alexandria, City of Bowie,
City of College Park, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, City of
Gaithersburg, City of Greenbelt, City of Takoma Park, City of Manassas, City of
Manassas Park, City of Rockville, District of Columbia, Arlington County,
Charles County, Fairfax County, Frederick County, Loudoun County, Montgomery
County, Prince George's County and Prince William County.
People
in these jurisdictions during the WEA test will receive an alert on their cell
phone or other mobile device(s).
When:
Thursday, April 5, 2018, between 10-11 a.m.
If
a real-world event impacts the WEA test on Thursday, April 5, the back-up test
date is Monday, April 9, between 10-11 a.m.
Where:
Each jurisdiction
participating in the exercise will draw a geo-targeted map in their WEA system.
Cell phones or mobile devices located outside, but near, the participating
jurisdictions may receive the WEA test because this technology uses carrier
towers.
Why: Periodic
testing of public alerts and warning systems helps local governments assess the
system and identify any needed improvements. Public safety officials need to be
sure that in times of an emergency or disaster, they have reliable methods and
systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public. Conducting
a regional test supports the continued use, training, and improvement of the
WEA system.
Info: For more information about Frederick County’s WEA
test, e-mail EmergencyManagement@FrederickCountyMD.gov or call the Division of Emergency
Management at 301-600-6790.