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Politics aside, the test seemed to work for the most part. Some people reported that they didn’t get the alert while their phone was off, but that it came through when they powered back on. Others said their alert was slightly delayed, possibly a result of connectivity issues related to their individual device.

FEMA officials say they expected the alert to reach 75 percent of wireless-enabled devices, including cell phones and smartwatches. The alert was not supposed to interrupt a phone call or an active data session, although officials said they are working to make sure the information reaches more people. Even if cell phone users have opted out of other emergency alerts for imminent weather threats or AMBER alerts they should still receive the national-level alert.

\"PHOTO:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
PHOTO: A photo from the Federal Emergency Management Agency shows what the alert will look like for a nationwide test scheduled for October 3, 2018.
>

ABC News' Aaron Katersky contributed to this report.

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