The U.S. government conducted a nationwide emergency alert test today to check the effectiveness of alert systems for cell phones, radios, and televisions. But even the most serious of emergency tests can’t escape the whirlwind that is the internet and social media.
Instead of panic or concern, a wave of memes made their way to social media by people whose ears were personally victimized by FEMA's startling alert. As users shared their hilarious takes, a surprising number of them shared one common experience—they were caught off guard while wearing AirPods.
FEMA is required by law to conduct wireless emergency alert tests at least once every three years, with the last national test occurring in 2021. All major U.S. wireless carriers participated automatically, meaning no enrollment was necessary to receive the alert. Phones turned off, in airplane mode, or not connected to a cell tower did not receive the message.
See some of Twitter's best AirPods-related reactions to the test below.
