Nationwide alert system test Nov. 9

The Federal Communications Commission will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. CST.

Virtually all radio, television and cable programming will be interrupted by the test information for between three and three-and-a-half minutes.

The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a mechanism to alert the public of emergencies. Although EAS participants currently take part in state-level monthly tests and local-level weekly tests, there has never been a nationwide test of the system.

Test results will be used to assess what works within the EAS and what does not, and improvements will be made to the system as appropriate.

More information is available on the FCC webpage http://www.fcc.gov/pshs