On Wednesday November 9, 2011, at 1300 hours, FEMA and the FCC will be conducting the first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
The test will last up to three minutes and thirty seconds and will use all broadcast television, radio, cable, and satellite radio systems. This is the first time that all communication systems will conduct a test simultaneously, and it is possible that many citizens may believe an actual emergency event is occurring.
Police and sheriffs agencies and 911 or other communications centers may receive increased calls during the test, so please alert your staff about the test plans.