On Wednesday, November 9th, at 2:00 PM, there will be a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will take place on all broadcast media: AM and FM radio, over-the-air TV, cable-TV, and satellite-TV. Every station you turn to at 2:00 PM on Wednesday will be carrying the test. The main thing to remember is that it is JUST A TEST. The test will only last about a minute.
Please talk about this with your family and friends so that no one is surprised and thinks something terrible is happening.
This is the first-ever nationwide test of the alert system we have all heard and seen whenever there is severe weather. You know, those annoying tones. The same system can be used for national emergencies, but has never been needed, but nor has it ever been tested.
For a history, an overview and for general background on the EAS and the new IPAWS, please go to the FCC website, the FEMA site, or just do an Internet search on "EAS National Test" or on "IPAWS".
