From today’s (Wednesday’s) Wilmington City Schools Facebook page:

As a District, we often communicate with auto-dialer messages, text alerts and Dojo messages. We want everyone to be aware of the Presidential Alert test that will be happening today to reduce the number of people getting caught off guard. Sometimes when our phone alerts sound, it can be quite alarming if you’re not expecting it.

This Wednesday afternoon nearly every smart phone in America will sound and vibrate with an emergency alert – the first ever test of the national Presidential Alert system. The Presidential Alert is similar to the state-level systems that send out AMBER Alerts and weather warnings. The nationwide system is designed to send messages to all 225 million smartphones in the United States – reaching about 75% of the population.

Here’s what you need to know about the Presidential Alert system.

It’s a nationwide test of the same system that pushes public emergency messages like AMBER alerts

Presidential Alerts are only for national emergencies

The Alert test will happen at 2:18 pm ET

A second test will take place on TV and radio at 2:20 p.m.

There is no opt-out

When safety tests are conducted, it is a good time to review your individual safety plans with your family and loved ones.

Learn more @https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test