First Nationwide Test of Emergency Alert System Set for Wednesday

From Federal Emergency Management Agency:

On Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. the federal government will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will last approximately 30 seconds.  During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested.  FEMA is working to ensure that the public is aware of this test and that it will not be a real emergency alert.  

“This first national test will ensure the readiness of the Emergency Alert System to deliver critical life-saving information,” said MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region III’s Regional Administrator.  “FEMA is asking members of the news media to help spread the word about this test and what to expect.”

The test is being conducted by FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as part of their ongoing efforts to keep the nation safe during emergencies and strengthen our resilience against all hazards.

The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system that can be activated by the president, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies.  NOAA's National Weather Service, governors, and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. The test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency.