- This is only a test. Image by Wonderlane, and the Flickr Creative Commons
Please help spread the word that on Wednesday, November 9th at 11a (2p E.S.T.) a nationwide test of the emergency alert system (EAS) will be conducted. More than 20,000 television and radio broadcast stations across the United States will participate in this first-ever, nationwide, 30-second test.
In the event of a national catastrophe, the EAS would activate and allow the President of the United States to address millions of people at the same time – using a system similar to that now commonly used by state and local officials for Amber Alerts and weather warnings. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct this test. They have a website that contains video information, along with frequently asked questions and further information – in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.
Please let others know, particularly to those who might be alarmed or upset by the 30-second test warning. If you have questions that cannot be answered at the FEMA website, the City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management has offered to take questions at 206/233-5076 or snap@seattle.gov