The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Weather Service (NWS) will conduct the first-ever national-level test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).  The test will take place Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 1:00 PM CST.  The test may last up to three and a half minutes in length.

This test is similar to the way local emergency alert system tests are conducted; HOWEVER this will be the first nationwide test.  It is expected to be broadcast simultaneously on most U.S. radio stations and television stations to include (cable and satellite). This nationwide EAS Test will help determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in enabling the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme regional or national emergencies.

WHAT YOU WILL HEAR AND SEE DURING THE TEST:
This national test may look like regular local EAS tests that most people are already familiar with, but there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will repeat “This is a test.” The video message scroll may or may not indicate “This is a test.” The message will last for approximately three-and-a-half minutes and then regular programming will resume.

For more information on this National Emergency Alert System Test, click here.