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) on November 9 at 12 p.m. MDT.
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 12
p.m. MDT. This test will last up 30 seconds, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations
within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, 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. However, due to technical limitations, a visual message indicating that "this is a test" may not appear on every television channel, especially for cable subscribers. For these reasons we are taking extra steps to educate the public, especially people with hearing disabilities, that this is only a test.
For more information about the nationwide
Emergency Alert System test, please visit www.FEMA.gov and www.FCC.gov. On November 9 at 12 p.m. MDT, please
remember: Don’t stress; it’s only a test.
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