As part of their ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information, should it ever be needed.  The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 1 p.m. CST.  This test may last 30 seconds, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.” When the test is over, regular programming will resume.  For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit www.FEMA.gov and www.FCC.gov.  

On November 9 at 1 p.m. CST, please remember: Don’t stress; it’s only a test.

FEMA Press Release – http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722 
FEMA Blog – http://blog.fema.gov/2011/10/emergency-alert-system-test-one-month.html 
FCC Website – http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test 

St. Louis City LEPC is a proud supporter of National Preparedness Month: