Washington, D.C. - FEMA conducted a nationwide Emergency Alert test today.
The test took place around 2:18pm EST. About 225 million electronic devices across the U.S. received a message and a tone along with their phone buzzing .
The text message alert read "Presidential Alert" and text said "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."
It is the first test of the national wireless emergency system by FEMA. The system test is for a high-level "presidential" alerts that would be used only in a nationwide emergency.
FEMA officials said they would share test result data with mobile carriers to help make sure the system works well in a true emergency.
A group of New Yorkers had filed a lawsuit in federal court in New York arguing they should not be compelled to receive the alerts under their right to free speech.
(Photo provided by Federal Emergency Management Agency)