Nationwide emergency alert test planned Nov. 9
BOISE - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
The nationwide test will occur Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. MDT and 10 a.m. PDT and may last up to three and a half minutes. The public will hear a message indicating, "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for 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 wire line providers across all states and territories.
Published 10-28-2011