Nationwide test of emergency alert system to occur November 9

November 7, 2011, 7:00AMANS Nuclear Cafe

As part of ongoing efforts to keep the United States and U.S. communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring that 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 2 p.m. eastern.

The test will last about 30 seconds, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the United States, including 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 www.FEMA.gov and www.FCC.gov.

On November 9 at 2 p.m. eastern, please remember: Don't stress; it's only a test.

FEMA has been working to increase awareness of the test via social media outlets. Additional information is available at the FEMA blog.

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