VDEM to test Wireless Emergency Alerts infrastructure
This update was published by
Published: May 31, 2022
RICHMOND—The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), in partnership with Dominion Energy, will test the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) infrastructure at the following dates, times, and locations:
North Anna Power Station – Monday, June 6, 2022
Test 1: 11:00 am
Test 2: 11:25 am
Surry Power Station – Monday, June 6, 2022
Test 1: 12:00 pm
Test 2: 12:25 pm
This test will support ongoing preparations for the transition from the existing siren system to WEA for emergencies at Virginia’s two nuclear power stations. The tests will validate system design standards and help identify any administrative improvements.
The test message sent to the WEA infrastructure will only be received by specially configured phones and will read:
“This is a Wireless Emergency Alert Test. No actions are required.”
Only those phones that have been opted in specifically to receive system test messages will display the test message. Most mobile phones will not display the test message. It is important to note that in an actual emergency, everyone with alerts enabled will automatically receive wireless emergency alerts on compatible phones even if they do not receive test messages.
For additional details about the alert transition from sirens to WEA, please visit Dominion Energy’s FAQ page.
More information about WEA can be found at Integrated Public Alert & Warning System | FEMA.gov.
###
Agency Contact
Lauren Opett
Director of Communications and Chief Agency Spokesperson