Emergency Preparedness Alert System
Emergency Preparedness Alert System
UPDATE: ABOUT
THE NATIONWIDE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM TEST NOVEMBER 9th
As we get close to the nationwide test of the Emergency Alert
System, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and all of our many partners
are working together to spread the word to as many members of the public as
possible -- so people know what to expect when the test takes place, and no one
is caught off guard.
Similar to local
emergency alert system tests, during the nationwide test on November 9, an audio
message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: This is a
test. The nationwide test will last approximately
30 seconds instead of 2-3 minutes, as
originally announced. This change has been made to
reduce the disruption to the American public, while still maintaining our
ability to test the systems nationwide capabilities.
Please
help us reach as many people as possible to let them know that this is only a
test. Share information about the EAS test with your friends, family,
employees, and associations members. Post a message on your social media site,
and feel free to embed our videos on your website or blog. Updated
sample articles and templates are enclosed
below.
We would love to
hear about work that you have done to join in preparing the nation for the
November 9, test. Share highlights about the outreach that
your organization and partners conduct to spread the news.
This information can be sent directly to: FEMA-Private-Sector@dhs.gov.
We are asking
everyone to help spread the word. And remember, on November 9 at 2:00 PM EST,
Don't stress; it is only a test.
For videos, PSAs, and
additional information please, visit FEMA FAQs page and the FCC EAS Test page.
Related Blog
Posts
Related Press
Releases
First
Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System November 9 at 2pm
EST
As part of
their ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during
emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency
Management Agency 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 all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital
information, should it ever be needed. The first nationwide test will be
conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. EDT. This test may last 30 seconds,
and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S.,
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 programming will resume. For more
information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit
www.FEMA.gov and www.FCC.gov.
On November 9
at 2 p.m. EDT, please remember: Don't stress; it is only a
test.
FEMA Press
Release http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722
FEMA Blog
http://blog.fema.gov/2011/10/emergency-alert-system-test-one-month.html
FCC Website
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test
FIRST
NATIONWIDE TEST OF THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
Test to Take
Place November 9 at 2 p.m. EST
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, The Emergency Preparedness Center announced that on November 9 at 2:00 p.m. eastern
standard time, the federal government will conduct the first nationwide test of
the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will last for 30 seconds. During this
period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will
be interrupted as the system is being tested. The Emergency Preparedness Center would like
to ensure that all of their customers, members, affiliates and the larger public
are aware that this event will be just a test, and not a real emergency alert.
The test is being conducted by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), as part of their ongoing efforts to keep the nation safe during
emergencies and strengthen our resilience against all hazards.
The national Emergency Alert System is an
alert and warning system that can be activated by the president, if needed, to
provide information to the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National
Weather Service, governors, and state and local emergency authorities also use
parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. The test is an
important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating
critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency.
Similar to emergency alert system tests
that are already conducted frequently on the local level, the nationwide test
will involve television and radio stations across the United States, including
Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and
American Samoa.
Under the FCC's rules, radio and
television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service
providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video
service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages
to the public. A national test will help federal partners and EAS participants
determine the reliability of the system, as well as its effectiveness in
notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers both nationally and
regionally. The test will also provide the FCC and FEMA a chance to identify
improvements that need to be made to build a modernized and fully accessible
Emergency Alert System. The Emergency Preparedness Center, along with FEMA,
encourages the public to use this event as a reminder that everyone should
establish an emergency preparedness
kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and
businesses. Visit www.areyouprepared.com for more information about how to prepare for and
stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.
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