Why you didn't get a text from FEMA Wednesday during its Emergency Alert test

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted its regular tests of its emergency alert systems Wednesday, including a test of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), for just the second time ever. 

As part of the test, many were expecting emergency alert texts Wednesday, but most people didn't get anything. The test began at 2:20 p.m. ET, with television channels and radio stations interrupting programming with the noises and messages many are familiar with. For the WEA test, those who did get alerted were shot a text message reading, "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." 

If you didn't get that text message, you're not alone. Only devices that opted into the program received the test alerts. To get the real emergency alerts, FEMA says users do not have to opt in.

Wireless Emergency Alerts were launched in 2012. According to FEMA, are used to alert the public of weather emergencies, missing children, or "other critical situations," and can be used to reach any cell phone that is switched on, within range of an active cell tower and whose wireless provider participates in the program. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all participate.

If you didn't receive an alert Wednesday, and want to opt in, FEMA has easy step-by-step instructions depending on your phone's operating system.

For Android Devices: 

1. Follow one of the following paths: 
   • Tap Apps → Emergency Alerts → Menu (three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen) → Settings → Alert types.
   • Tap Apps → Settings → Apps & Notifications → Advanced → Wireless Emergency Alerts.
   • Tap Apps → Settings → Search for “Emergency Alerts” or “Public Safety messages.” 
   • Tap your text messaging app → Menu (three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen) → Settings → Advanced → Wireless Emergency Alerts → Menu → Settings
2. Toggle the switch for Emergency Alerts

For iOS (Apple) Devices:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Tap "Keypad" on the bottom
3. Dial "*5005*25371#"
4. Press the green "Call" button. You'll see an alert on the screen that reads "Test Alerts Enabled"
5. Tap "Dismiss" at the bottom of the screen

You can find more information on WEA alerts and how to opt into tests on FEMA's website.