Cell phone emergency test to take place this morning.

RITZVILLE — The Federal Emergency Management Agency will test the national public alert system at 11:20 a.m. (our time) today, Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The test will mean all cell phones and broadcast companies will "tone out" at that time.

If your mobile phone is within range of an active cell tower, you should receive the test.

Wireless providers will be transmitting the test for a 30-minute window, but each phone is expected to sound the tone only once.

A backup test is set for Oct. 11.

The tests are planned to ensure emergency information can be transmitted successfully to all active cellphones simultaneously.