By Scott Carlson
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-If you're like me, you shot out of bed at around 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday thanks to what seemed like an unusual nocturnal test of the state Emergency Alert System.
The test went to mobile devices across the state. Social media was buzzing Wednesday morning with Nebraskans wondering why in the world the system was being tested so late and on a weekday night.
The answer, it was planned that way, or was it.
Thinking the test must have been someone's mistake, a quick glance at the EAS test schedule showed that the test was indeed planned for 11:00 p.m.
And it's not a one-time deal, the EAS test schedule for 2022 shows numerous 11:00 p.m. tests.
However, on Wednesday morning, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency said the test was a mistake and they are looking into the cause.
A tweet from the Nebraska State Patrol read as follows:
"Last night at approximately 11:00 p.m. CT/10:00 p.m. MT, the Nebraska State Patrol issued a required monthly test of the Emergency Alert System. The tests are conducted on the third Tuesday of each month and issued by NSP, Nebraska Public Media, and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency on a rotating basis. The tests alternate monthly between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. The tests are only supposed to activate the Emergency Alert System for broadcast media.
During last night’s test, the Wireless Emergency Alert system was inadvertently activated as well, which sent the test alert to cell phones throughout the state. The Wireless Emergency Alert is the system used to disseminate AMBER Alerts or other critical emergency information. We apologize for any inconvenience or distress this error may have caused."
The Post reached out to state officials for an explanation on testing the system late at night, but have not yet received a response.
In the meantime, hopefully, we can all catch a nap.
Here is the EAS test schedule for 2022, plan your sleep and bathroom schedule accordingly:
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From the Associated Press
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Patrol is apologizing for sending a late-night emergency test alert to cellphones around the state, waking people up after they had gone to bed.
The alert triggered a loud, jarring alarm on cellphones shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday, drawing complaints on social media.
The patrol says it was conducting a required monthly test of the state’s Emergency Alert System, which is conducted on the third Tuesday of every month.
The tests are only supposed to activate the system on broadcast media, going out to households with televisions that are turned on.
The patrol says the state’s Wireless Emergency Alert system was inadvertently activated as well during Tuesday’s test.