Full Notification

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The goal is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a way to alert the public of national emergencies.

The test will begin exactly at 1:00 pm, CST and last approximately 30-60 seconds. FEMA will transmit the EAS code for national emergencies. The code and alert will be rebroadcast by all television, radio and other broadcast agencies simultaneously through the United States and U.S. territories.

During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” Although the EAS Test may resemble the periodic, monthly EAS tests that most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will be the same for all EAS Participants; however, due to limitations in the EAS, the video test message scroll may not be the same or indicate that “This is a test.” This is due to the use of the live EAN code – the same code that would be used in an actual emergency. The text at the top of the television screen may indicate that an “Emergency Action Notification has been issued.” This notification is used to disseminate a national alert and in this case, the test. In addition, the background image that appears on video screens during an alert may indicate that “This is a test,” but in some instances there might not be an image at all.

Remember, this test will begin on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at 1pm, central time and last approximately 30-60 seconds.

To avoid an overload of the 911 communications systems, please avoid calling 911 to inquire about this EAS test. For more information visit www.fcc.gov/pshs.