From Washington County, IA Emergency Management "IMPORTANT: On Wednesday, Oct. 4th at 1:20 p.m. CDT, there will be a nationwide emergency alert test on cell phones, wireless devices, radios, and TVs. This is a standard test that occurs at least once every three years. Info & FAQs: FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) on Oct. 4, 2023.