“This is only a test”: Emergency Alert System gets a national checkup November 9

Federal agencies will conduct first nationwide test of Emergency Alert System on Wednesday at 11:00 am. There are concerns that people who miss the beginning announcement may take it seriously. 

Comcast warns that cable boxes may need to be reset.  If you have problems with your Comcast reception after the test, check this webpage.  They warn not to use Video on Demand for 20 minutes after the test ends.

On Wednesday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will test the Emergency Alert System across the entire country. The test should last 30 seconds.

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.

Wednesday’s national test will help federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers.

Similar to the weekly and monthly EAS tests conducted locally, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, and satellite radio and television services across all 50 states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

What people can expect

On November 9, at 11:00 a.m. local time, the public will hear a message indicating: "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television.

Similar to local Emergency Alert System tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming. When the test is over, regular programming will resume.

“The Emergency Alert System plays an important role in preparing communities for significant hazards and emergencies,” stated Hillman Mitchell, director of the King County Office of Emergency Management. “Conducting tests allows everyone to learn what the alert sounds like and what to do when it is broadcast.”

King County Office of Emergency Management supports all efforts to strengthen community preparedness and emergency notification, including promotion of the federal government’s test of the Emergency Alert System on November 9.

For more information about the test and King County tips on emergency preparedness, visit their webpage.