Politics & Government

Suwanee, This Is Only a Test ...

First nationwide test of the Emergency Alert system will be Wednesday.

According to the official website, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be working in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) at 2 p.m. EST on Nov. 9. The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for any type of hazard and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information should it ever be needed.

Over the past year, these agencies have been working with the broadcast community, cable operators and programmers as well as other communications service providers that participate in the Emergency Alert System. These are reported to including state, local, tribal, and territorial partners; and other critical stakeholders to help inform all members of the public regarding the nationwide Emergency Alert System test.

Find out what's happening in Suwaneewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The following is specific information F.E.M.A. wants the public to be made aware of in advance of this nationwide test. It will be broadcast on all the television and radio channels and people will not be able to move to another channel to avoid hearing the message.

  • It will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. EST.
  • It 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.

In the lead up to the test, the FCC and other 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.

Find out what's happening in Suwaneewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We're asking everyone to join us by spreading the word to your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family -- share this web page, post a message on your social media site, and feel free to embed our videos on your website or blog,” the website reads.


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