First Emergency Test of the Emergency Alert System

 As part of their ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information, should it ever be needed. The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 1 p.m. CDT. This test may last up to three and a half minutes, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.” When the test is over, regular programming will resume. For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407 and www.FCC.gov. On November 9 at 1 p.m. CDT, please remember: Don’t stress; it’s only a test.

· FEMA Administrator’s Message – In English http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407

· FEMA Administrator’s Message – In Spanish http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6408

· FEMA Press Release – http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722

· FEMA Blog – http://blog.fema.gov/2011/10/emergency-alert-system-test-one-month.html

· FCC Website – http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test