Submitted by San Juan County

At about 11:20 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 3, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first-ever nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alert and Emergency Alert System.

This means that all cell phones — that are turned on, within range of a tower and use a participating carrier — will make a loud buzz and receive a message. The message will also be sent to all TV and radio stations across the country.

Help spread the word that this is happening.

In the islands, this alert would be used as one of many tools to spread the word about an impending urgent emergency. It would not be used for a forecast storm, a small-scale emergency or something that is not time sensitive.

One of the best uses of WEA is for tsunami warnings, but remember that, in the islands, the very best tsunami warning system is that everyone will feel a very large earthquake, alerting residents to head to high ground, at least 25 feet above sea level.