Expect A 'Presidential Alert' Test Today

Today at exactly 2:18 p.m. ET, you can expect your smartphone to vibrate as you receive a text headlined "Presidential Alert".

But it's not exactly from President Trump. Rather, its a test of a new nationwide warning system that a president could use in case of an armed attack by another country, a cyberattack or a widespread natural disaster.

During the Cold War, it was pretty common to see and hear tests of the Emergency Broadcasting System.

Things are a little more sophisticated now, but basically the same minute-long, Emergency Alert System test is conducted every month or so on broadcast, cable, and satellite TV and radio.

But now there will also be an alert on your cellphone.

REMINDER: Tomorrow, 10/3 at 2:18 PM EDT, there will be a nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system, in coordination w/ @FCC. You’ll get a message on your phone with a tone & vibration. This is not a text & your phone number is not shared with anyone. pic.twitter.com/317vmFA1vY

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) October 2, 2018

As NPR reports, many cellphone users receive alerts now — Amber Alerts for missing children, and flash flood or tornado warnings. But Wednesday is the first time for a national, presidential alert issued by FEMA.

There will be an audible tone and then a text that states: "Presidential Alert" followed by "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."

FEMA estimates some 225 million devices, or about 75 percent of cellphone users in the U.S., will receive the alert. It will be provided by all the major carriers. And sorry, but you can't opt out.