The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will occur on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 1 p.m. central standard time. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that while the EAS is frequently used by state and local governments to send weather alerts and other emergencies, there has never been a national activation of the system.
Although the national EAS test may resemble the periodic EAS tests that most Americans are familiar with, there will be differences in what people will see and hear. During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” However, the video test message scroll may not be the same nor use the words “This is a test.” Therefore, it is important for emergency responders to be familiar with the test and review the EAS Test Toolkit (PDF, 806 Kb).
EAS participants include all broadcasters, satellite and digital radio and television, cable television, and wireline video providers. Future testing of the EAS will assess the effectiveness and reliability of other technologies to achieve the ultimate goal of timely alert and warning to the American public in the preservation of life and property. Two videos about the upcoming test are available on the FEMA Blog.
If you have questions please contact: Deputy Chief Michael Klunk
Huntley Police Department
Support Services Bureau
10911 Main St., Huntley, IL 60142 (847) 515-5311 / (847) 515-5346 fax