Be Prepared Nov. 9: This is Not An Emergency

Don't panic today when you hear a three-minute long emergency alert on local television and radio stations.

On Nov. 9 at 2 p.m., the FCC and FEMA will conduct the first-ever, nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). EAS alerts are transmitted over radio and television broadcast stations, cable television and other media services.

The purpose of the Nov. 9 test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system as a way to alert the public during nationwide emergencies.

Although local and state components of the EAS are tested on a weekly and monthly basis, there has never been an end-to-end nationwide test or a national activation of the system.

Although the nationwide test will be similar to the monthly and weekly tests that the public is used to, there will be some differences. For example, the November 9th test will be longer--approximately three minutes--compared to the usual two minute monthly test.

The FCC has established a website dedicated to the Nov. 9 test which can be found at www.fcc.gov/pshs.

In existence since 1994, the EAS is an alert and warning system designed to transmit emergency alerts and warnings to the public at the national, state, tribal and local levels. EAS Participants broadcast alerts and warnings regarding weather alerts, child abductions and other types of emergencies.

On Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. FEMA will transmit the EAS code for national emergencies. The EAS code and alert will be rebroadcast by broadcast stations and other service providers until it has been distributed throughout the entire country and U.S. territories.

Additional information can be found at the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau website at www.fcc.gov/pshs.

This information was submitted in a news release from the FCC.