Only a Test: Emergency Alert System to Be Tested Nationwide for First Time Wednesday, CT Governor Urges Residents to Be Prepared

Posted by erik devaney

The White House is preparing the country for the first nationwide test of the country’s emergency alert system (EAS) on Wednesday.

The test will occur at 2 p.m. EST Wednesday and will last about 30 seconds, presidential spokesman Jay Carney told reporters.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President to address the American public during emergencies. The National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities can also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.

“This nationwide test will enable us to determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally,” stated Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy on Tuesday.

Malloy continued, “This event also serves as a reminder that all individuals, families and businesses should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan. Personal preparedness is essential to our resiliency to any emergency.”

Similar to statewide EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

On Wednesday, November 9, the public will hear a message indicating, “This is a test.” The audio message will be the same for both radio and television.

Under the FCC’s rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public.

Carney said everyone should remember the following about Wednesday’s action by the administration: “It’s just a test.”

 

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

(with additional information from New England Post)

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