Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) Test Scheduled for March 19, 2025

March 17, 2025

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EAST LANSING, Mich. --- As part of Michigan's Severe Weather Awareness Week, Michigan State University (MSU) is participating in a TEST of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. This test will take place in the Tri-County area, which includes Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, along with the City of Lansing, on March 19, 2025, at 12:59 p.m. Eastern Time. This scheduled alert precedes the Voluntary Statewide Tornado Drill, which will begin at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The WEA message will read:

"TEST TEST TEST: This is a TEST of your phone's Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties and the City of Lansing are sending this TEST as part of Michigan's Severe Weather Awareness Week. You may also hear the outdoor warning (tornado) sirens activate as part of the Statewide Voluntary Tornado Drill. THIS IS ONLY A TEST!"

This alert will be issued by Ingham County Emergency Management on behalf of Ingham County, Eaton County, Clinton County, and the City of Lansing Emergency Management Programs.

Details of the WEA Test:

Who:    Ingham County Emergency Management on behalf of Michigan State University
What:  Issuing a Public Alert Test as a "Civil Emergency Message" to all active cell phones in the tri-county area
When:  March 19, 2025, at 12:59 p.m. ET
Why:    To evaluate the effectiveness of alert systems in the U.S. for disseminating critical emergency information on a regional level. This test specifically highlights local agency capabilities, as national and state emergency agencies will not be issuing this alert.
How:    The WEA system will automatically send the alert to all active cell phones. No action is required from the recipients.

We encourage everyone at Michigan State University to be aware of this test and understand that it is solely for ensuring readiness in case of real emergencies. 

According to the National Weather Service, the state of Michigan averages 15 tornadoes each year.   The voluntary statewide tornado drill gives everyone a chance to put their severe weather plans to the test, so we are all better prepared when a disaster strikes. Individuals are encourages to engage in this statewide preparedness activity but they are not required to do so.  During the tornado drill, you may observe or hear alerts on TV and radio stations, as well as outdoor sirens in our local community.  

The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means everyone needs to be ready to react when a warning is issued.  

To be ready for a tornado:  

• Know the difference:  a tornado WATCH means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; a tornado WARNING means has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
• Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, often greenish sky, large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train.  
• Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
• Develop an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as a three-day water and food supply, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents, and items that satisfy family needs.
• Identify a safe place in your home for household members and pets to gather during a tornado.    
• Make sure everyone understands the tornado warning system in your area.

For more weather related emergency safety tips, please visit: https://dpps.msu.edu/safety-tools/safety-tips.

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Contact: 
Nadia Vizueta, Communications Manager, Michigan State University Police and Public Safety | 517-282-3711 | VizuetaN@dpps.msu.edu