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| Online Proliferation of Conspiracy Theories Surrounding FEMA's Emergency Alert Test |
Halloween may arrive early this year, as some fringe conspiracy theories are swirling around FEMA's upcoming nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Scheduled for Wednesday at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, this capabilities test, jointly announced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in August, aims to assess the effectiveness of these alert systems. EAS alerts will be transmitted via radios and televisions, while WEA alerts will be sent to all consumer cell phones, bearing the message: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." While seven nationwide EAS tests have been conducted previously, this marks only the second nationwide WEA test.
Conspiracy theories abound concerning this test, many of which build upon earlier misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Some assert that FEMA's broadcasts will trigger unforeseen reactions in vaccinated individuals. According to certain speculations, vaccine nanoparticles will be activated, while others baselessly claim that graphene oxide, previously debunked as a component of the Pfizer vaccine by the Associated Press, will be involved. Another unfounded theory suggests that the alert could activate the Marburg virus, a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever virus akin to Ebola, within vaccinated individuals.
However, not all conspiracy theories revolve around COVID-19 vaccines. Some suggest the tests may be linked to the Russian nuclear threat or coincide with an unknown emergency event. Various online posts purport to offer ways for followers to disable their phones during the testing period, such as wrapping them in foil or placing them in a microwave or Faraday cage.
Jeremy Edwards, FEMA's press secretary, emphasizes that the sole purpose of the test is to ensure that these systems effectively warn the public about national-level emergencies. Federal law mandates FEMA to conduct such tests every three years. Edwards notes that the national tests and tones are consistent with those sent by over 1,700 local, state, territorial, and tribal authorities through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. He further points out that FEMA is unaware of any adverse health effects caused by the audio signal.
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