Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Set for Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Kansas radio and television stations, along with cable TV systems and satellite TV companies, will participate in the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, November 9.  The test, originating from Washington, D.C., will begin at approximately 1:00 pm Central and will last for about 3-1/2 minutes.

During the test, the public will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.”  The audio message will be the same for radio, television, and cable TV.   However, television viewers will see a “text crawl” at the top of their TV screens that says, “The Primary Entry Point has issued an Emergency Action Notification for Washington, D.C., until 2:15 pm(Eastern).”  TV viewers may or may not see other on-screen text indicating that the alert is a test.  Viewers should rest assured, however, that this is only a test.

“Similar to statewide and local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the National EAS Test will air on broadcast radio and television stations, cable television systems, and satellite radio and television services across Kansas and the rest of the nation,” says Kent Cornish, President of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.

“As the federal government and the media prepare to test their alerting capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and an emergency plan for themselves,” he added.

The national-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies.  The system has never been used for that purpose; its primary use is to warn of state and local emergency situations, such as severe weather events.

For more information on the National EAS Test, visit www.easalert.org.