A nighttime view of traffic outside Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California, November 23, 2016. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)
What to Know
- LAX will conduct a test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts system at 10 a.m. Wednesday
- The test alert will be sent to cell phones in a widespread area near the airport
- The test message will read, 'This is a test of the LAX Wireless Emergency Alert system. No action is required.'
People in a large area near Los Angeles International Airport can expect to receive a test alert on their cell phones Wednesday morning as part of an emergency notification system test.
The LAX test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts system will be conducted at 10 a.m. The test messages will be sent to mobile devices within the area bounded by La Cienega Boulevard to the east, Imperial Highway to the south, Pershing Drive to the west and Westchester Parkway/Arbor Vitae Street to the north.
Some devices outside that area may also receive the alert, since the signals are sent via cell phone towers that may cover a broader area.
LAX officials said the purpose of the Wireless Emergency Alerts system is to alert people about imminent threats to safety in their area. The system is the same one utilized for Amber alerts and extreme weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
Los Angeles World Airports is among the government agencies across the country that was granted authority by the Federal Communications Commission to utilize the WEA system, airport officials said.
The LAX test message sent Wednesday will read, "This is a test of the LAX Wireless Emergency Alert system. No action is required."
LAX will join other U.S. airports that have tested the WEA alert system, including Dallas Love Field and Denver International Airport.
According to airport officials, the WEA system has been used more than 49,000 times nationwide since 2012 to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children and other critical situations.
Periodic testing of warning systems helps assess operational readiness and identifies any improvements needed, LAX officials said.
In an actual emergency, the WEA messages would advise recipients of actions they should take to save lives and/or property. If an unforeseen emergency or hazardous situation occurs Wednesday morning, the test may be postponed until a later date.
