WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, November 9 at 1 p.m. CST, and will be broadcast on all radio and television stations.

The EAS is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters, cable television systems, wireless cable systems, satellite digital audio radio service providers, and direct broadcast satellite providers to provide the communications capability to the President to address the American public during a national emergency. The system also may be used by state and local authorities to deliver emergency information. The nationwide EAS test will last for approximately 30 seconds.

The EAS test is designed to help federal authorities and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.  Click here for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.