Nationwide emergency alert test Wednesday

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be conducted on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. eastern standard time for approximately 30 seconds, according to a notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region III office.

During the 30 seconds, 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, according to a statement.

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.

“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, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are conducting the test as part of their ongoing efforts to keep the nation safe 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.

Wednesday’s test will involve television and radio stations across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Under the FCC’s rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public.

FEMA encourages people to use Wednesday’s test as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses.  Visit http://www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.