Nationwide emergency alert test tomorrow at noon

Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System tomorrow at noon.

The test may look like the regular local EAS tests that most people are already familiar with, but there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will repeat “This is a test.” The video message scroll may not indicate “This is a test.” The message will last for approximately three minutes and then regular programming will resume.

This test will be heard on the radio and seen on local, cable and satellite TV. Because of this first nationwide test, it is believed that local 911 systems may become overwhelmed.

Conducting this test provides an opportunity to baseline the system. Information on this test should be widely disseminated to all citizens, local governments, academic institutions, 911 centers, transit agencies and tribal offices. The Pinal County Office of Emergency Management will also provide information on its website and through other media.

As the federal government prepares to test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities and businesses.