FEMA Conducts Nationwide Emergency Alert Test [Updated]
[Updated | 11:05 a.m. Nov. 9 FEMA conducted the nationwide test at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Televisions displayed a message saying the EAS test was being conducted as tones were sounded.]
FEMA says the test is being conducted to improve the existing alert system before extending it to new technologies. The current system relies on radio, television, cable and satellite media to warn people of an emergency.
Officials are transitioning the system to include wireless media as well in order to ensure universal access to the warning system. FEMA is working in conjunction with the FCC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The system is normally used by local and state governments to warn of weather emergencies and other disasters.
Nov. 9 was chosen as the test date because it is near the end of the hurricane system but before severe winter weather begins. The test will last for 30 seconds at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time to avoid rush-hour disruption, while ensuring the test will occur during regular business hours across multiple time zones.
The test has been cancelled for Alaska, however, due to predictions of severe weather and hurricane force winds.
Social media notifications of the EAS test carry a common warning -- this is only a test.
