Press Release:
A Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
Will Take Place On November 9, 2011
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System
(EAS).
The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m.
eastern time and may last up to three and a half minutes. The public will
hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be
the same for both radio, television, and cable.
The National-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables
the President of the United States to address the American public during
extreme emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted
frequently, the Nationwide Test will involve broadcast radio and television
stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline
providers across all states and territories.
Over the past two years and as part of ongoing national preparedness
planning efforts, FEMA, the FCC and other federal partners, State, local,
tribal and territorial governments, EAS Participants, and others in the EAS
Community have been working toward making this test a reality.
As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and
test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should
establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for
themselves, their families, communities, and businesses. Anyone can visit
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.
http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm
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