Politics & Government

First Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Set for Wednesday

Be alert, not alarmed, when the test, similar to local Emergency Alert System tests, tolls at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday. The national test will occur at 11 a.m. Pacific Time and could last up to three-and-a-half minutes.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the president of the United States to address the American public during emergencies. The National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. 

Similar to local EAS tests that are already conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

Find out what's happening in Redmondwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Wednesday morning, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. 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. A national test will help the federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.

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 have been working toward making this test a reality.  

Find out what's happening in Redmondwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The event also 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.

For more information on this test visit: http://www.fema.gov/eastest

—Information from FEMA


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