Feds Plan a Massive Takeover of Illinois, Wisconsin Phones Today (10/4)

If you're not a fan of having your mobile phone taken over by an outside source without you knowing it's happening, then you'll want to be aware of what the federal government is planning next month (October).

Government Takeover Happening on October 4

Besides the takeover of mobile devices, the federal government will also be using radio and television signals to test the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on October 4 which will last approximately one minute, according to the press release.

"All consumer cell devices" will be taken over on October 4 at 1:20 p.m. Central (2:20 Eastern) and the signal will last for approximately 30 minutes, but according to the press release from FEMA: "All wireless phones should receive the message only once"

READ MORE: See Purple Paint on a Tree in IL or WI? Run In The Other Direction!

What Will Happen on Your Phone Here in the Stateline?

Here's what Illinois and Wisconsin cell phone users should expect to see on their devices on October 4, according to the press release:

• For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration. -FEMA

If there happens to be "widespread severe weather or other significant events" on October 4, FEMA and the FCC have a backup testing date set for October 11.