Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Media Advisory
For immediate release, October 26, 2011
Contact: Robert Feeley, (208) 422-3033 or (208) 859-6943

A Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Will Take Place on November 9, 2011

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 12 p.m. MDT and 11 a.m. PDT and may last up to three and a half minutes. The public will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” The audio message will be the same for radio, television, and cable.

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. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the Nationwide Test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wire line providers across all states and territories.

Additional Note to reporters and broadcasters: Broadcasters are the backbone of the EAS system and the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security requests assistance in increasing public awareness of the nationwide EAS test. Resources are available to assist media outlets in conducting the test and education the public:

• National Association of Broadcasters has compiled public service announcements to increase public awareness in the test and they are available here.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency has developed a toolkit of information regarding the test and it is available here.

 

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The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release