Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Scheduled for 11/9/11

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. Eastern time and may last up to three and a half minutes.

The public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio, television, and cable. The National-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies.

Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the Nationwide Test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wirelineproviders across all states and territories.

Over the past two years and as part of ongoing national preparedness planning efforts, FEMA, the FCC and other federal partners, State, local, tribal and territorial governments, EAS Participants, and others in the EAS Community have been working toward making this test a reality.

As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kitand emergency planfor themselves, their families, communities, and businesses.

Anyone can visit http://www.ready.gov/ 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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