Contact: Allison Matthews
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A nationwide test Wednesday [Nov. 9] of the Emergency Alert System will interrupt radio and broadcast communications for a maximum of one minute at 1 p.m. local time.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are administering this first-of-its-kind nationwide test.
Similar to local emergency alert system tests, the short broadcast simultaneously will involve television stations and broadcast radio stations across the U.S. and several American territories.
The public will hear "This is a test" via both radio and television broadcast.
Officials say the process will enable a check of the baseline warning system and its capabilities at all levels.
Nov. 9 was chosen because it is near the end of hurricane season and prior to the beginning of severe winter weather. The selected time, 2 p.m. Eastern Standard, should minimize disruption during rush hours, while ensuring that the test occurs during working hours across several time zones.
The national EAS program provides the nation with a communications network available under most dire conditions.
For complete information on the event, visit www.fema.gov/eastest.