October 4 Is Trending Online—Here's Why Some People Are Planning To Turn Off Their Phones That Day

Kelsey Pelzer

It won't be just a normal Wednesday on October 4, 2023. Why not? FEMA and the FCC have an emergency alert test set for this exact date.

Specifically, it will be a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The test will happen at 2:20 p.m. EST.

And even if you usually have your phone on silent—this test will have a notification tone along with it.

As one TikToker, @tallgirl6234, explains, even if you unsubscribe to Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts or weather alerts, this is one alert you can't turn off.

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The backup date for the test will be October 11, 2023, if there's any reason it cannot take place as planned on October 4.

Some responses in the TikTok video's comments include:

  • Trusting TikTok to remind me when the time gets closer

  • rip overnight workers like me trying to sleep

  • I've experienced this. Was at a bar when a tornado warning was issued and everyone's phones went off. It was so eerie

  • Fun trick: set your calendar to go off 5 minutes before & say to coworkers "it would be weird if all cell phones started ringing at once."

  • I worry about those that have a "secret" phone for emergencies.

  • If you have a phone you're hiding for any reason, make sure it's turned off for this. Especially if you're in an unsafe situation

So, if you don't want to be totally startled in the afternoon on the 4th of October, you might want to casually turn off your phone just before 2:20 p.m. EST.

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