Full Notification

At 1 p.m. CST, on November 9, 2011, the Federal Government will conduct the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test will allow radio, television, and other EAS participants to test their equipment and their capability to receive and disseminate a National warning message. The test should only last about 30 seconds and will be heard simultaneously, on all radio stations and seen on all television stations, including cable and satellite providers. Although the national EAS test may resemble the localized monthly EAS tests that most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. During the Nov. 9 test, listeners will hear a message indicating that, "This is a test." The audio message will be the same on both radio and TV. However, due to limitations in the EAS, the text message scrolling at the top of TV screens will NOT indicate that, "This is a test."

The Wood County Dispatch Center and Wood County Emergency Management want the public to understand that this is only a test, and refrain from calling 9-1-1 Dispatchers to inquire about the test.

The National EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Our local Public Notification System is NIXLE and you can sign up for text and email messages from that system at www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777.

Local emergency management personnel state that this test is the perfect opportunity for citizens to consider if they are prepared for local, natural or manmade, emergencies. Preparedness information specific to Wisconsin is available at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov