Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Planned for Wed., Nov. 9

On Wednesday, November 9th at 2:00pm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System. The test will last approximately 30 seconds and will be transmitted via television and radio stations across the U.S.

The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system can be activated by the President, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies. While the system is often tested in local markets (a test which you and the American public should be very familiar with), a nationwide test will be instrumental in evaluating and improving the system, should it ever be needed.