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Nationwide test of Emergency Alert System set for Nov. 9

  • Published
  • By PFPA
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON --  The Pentagon Force Protection Agency Office of Emergency Management announced on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. the federal government will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.

The test will last up to three and a half minutes, of which regularly scheduled television, radio, cable and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested.

Ensuring that all employees and public are aware that this will be just a test is a focus to the FPA and OEM.

The test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is part of their ongoing efforts to keep the nation safe during emergencies and strengthens resiliency against all hazards.

The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system that can be activated by the president, if needed, to provide information to the American 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 test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency. Similar to mergency alert system tests that are already conducted frequently on the local level, the nationwide test will involve television and radio stations across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

The test will also provide the FCC and FEMA a chance to identify improvements needed.

The FPA and EMO encourages all employees and the public to use this event as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities and businesses.

Visit www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

Please spread the word about the Nov. 9 nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.