Campus & Community

Nationwide test of Emergency Alert System scheduled Wednesday

Tuesday, November 8, 2011, By News Staff

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m., 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 EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for any type of hazard, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information should it ever be needed.

Here are specific details about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test.

  • It will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the United States, 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 television and radio programming will resume.

For more information on the nationwide Emergecny Alert System test, visit FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm.