FEMA And FCC Schedule 'National EAS Test' For November 9th

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THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY's FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) and the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) will conduct the first nationwide test of the EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS). The nationwide test will occur on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9th at 2p EST and may last up to three-and-a-half minutes.

"A national test of our EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM, with the vital communications support and involvement of participants, is a step towards ensuring that the alert and warning community is prepared to deliver critical information that can help save lives and protect property," said FEMA Assistant Administrator of National Continuity Programs DAMON PENN. "Because there has never been an activation of the EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM on a national level, FEMA views this test as an excellent opportunity to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system. It is important to remember that this is not a pass or fail test, but a chance to establish a baseline for making incremental improvements to the EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM with ongoing and future testing. It is also important to remember that the EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM is one of many tools in our communications toolbox, and we will continue to work on additional channels that can be a lifeline of information for people during an emergency."

"The upcoming national test is critical to ensuring that the EAS works as designed," said FCC Chief Of Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau JAMIE BARNETT. "As recent disasters here at home and in JAPAN have reminded us, a reliable and effective emergency alert and warning system is key to ensuring the public's safety during times of emergency. We look forward to working with FEMA in preparation for this important test."

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