| On November 9, 2011, at 2 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), 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 November 9th test is to assess the reliabil¬ity and effectiveness of the system as a way to alert the public during nationwide emergencies. Although FEMA and the FCC are taking steps to ensure that broadcast announcements are made during the test, some people may not see or hear these announcements and, as a result, 9-1-1 Call Centers may receive calls. In addition, the FCC has established a website dedicated to the November 9th test which can be found on at www.fcc.gov/pshs.
The EAS is an alert and warning system designed to transmit emer¬gency alerts and warnings to the public at the national, state, tribal and local levels. EAS Participants broadcast alerts and warnings regard¬ing weather alerts, child abductions and other types of 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. It is important to know that the system will work as intended should public safety officials ever need to send an alert or warning to a large region of the United States.
Although the EAS test will be initiated by FEMA, state and local governments can use the test as an opportunity to educate appropriate public safety and other government officials and staff about the EAS, how it works, when it should be activated. The FCC asks state and local government officials to help inform residents within your jurisdictions in advance of the test, so that they will know what to expect. Additional information can be found at the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau website at www.fcc.gov/pshs. |
