First Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System Scheduled for Tomorrow

On November 9, 2011, at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). At that time, an announcement will come on every TV and radio channel indicating that the emergency alert system has been activated. Although the activation will include an audio message indicating that this is a test, due to technical limitations, a visual message indicating that "this is a test" may not appear on every television channel, especially for cable subscribers. For these reasons, the FCC and FEMA are taking extra steps to educate the public, especially the deaf and hard of hearing, that "This is only a test."  Please do not be alarmed when you see that message. You will not need to take any action. More details.