Emergency Alert System Nationwide Test

Don't be alarmed, just be aware.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct its first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at 11 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday Nov. 9.

The test, expected to last about 3 minutes, will be broadcast on radio and TV, briefly interrupting normal programming.

The event may catch people’s attention because it will be presented as an actual emergency rather than a test.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are also participating.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the U.S. president to address the public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.

The goal of the nationwide test is to help the government determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.

Santee Fire Chief Robert Leigh said the event should serve as a reminder that everyone should put together an emergency preparedness kit and establish an emergency plan for their families.

More information on the test is available online at: http://www.fema.gov/eastest/