Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test (only a test)

Message below is provided for your information and situational awareness.
The nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test will occur 091400 Nov 11 ET. Please refer to the FEMA web link below for additional information. There are some concerns that portions of the public may not understand that this is a test and not a real emergency.

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Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. This nationwide test will kick off at 2:00 p.m. (EST) and run concurrently across all time zones.

This system test is the first of its kind designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. In the history of the country, nothing like it has been conducted on such a level. As you may be aware, there have been tests in the past, but not of this magnitude encompassing all regions of the Nation simultaneously. The three (3) minute test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band stations exceeding the previous messages broadcast which were anywhere from a 30 second to 1 minute message.

There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation
regarding the message might create panic. Please share this information with your family and friends so they are aware of the test.

Below is FEMAs website that will provide more information regarding this test: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm