Nationwide Emergency Alert Test

[DaveK]

Nationwide Emergency Broadcast Test
From the FCC (courtesy of Mike Spivak KJ6BBL)

The first simultaneous, nationwide multimedia test of the Federal Emergency Alert System ( EAS) is scheduled for 2:00 PM EST on Wednesday, November 9, 2011. The test will last approximately 30 seconds. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a mechanism to alert the public of emergencies. Although EAS Participants currently participate in state-level monthly tests and local-level weekly tests, there has never been a nationwide test of the system. The Commission, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will use the results of this test to assess what works within the EAS and what does not and working together with EAS stakeholders will make improvements to the system as appropriate. An audio message, “This Is A Test “, will be broadcast for the first time in the United States and its territories on Radio, Satellite Radio, Television and Cable Stations at the same time.