First nationwide test of the emergency alert system (eas)

**HauntedGabe** · 11-08-2011, 01:00 PM

This was released to N. IL residents. The time slot below is Central Daylight time, adjust to your own time slot.

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will take place on November 9, at 1pm. This test may last up to three and one half minutes in length.

This test is conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national alert and warning system which enables the President of the United States to address the public during emergencies. Local and State EAS systems are tested regularly, however, there has never been a single nationwide test. This alert will include broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video services.

During the November 9th test, the public will hear an audio message stating "This is a test', which will be the same for radio and television. Due to limitations of the EAS, the video test message may not be the same. In some instances, the background image that appears on television may indicate ''This is a test" but in other cases there may be no image at all.

The public is encouraged to share this information with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to reduce the potential for increased calls to local police and fire departments or to Emergency 9-1-1 call centers. This event should serve as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency plan and preparedness kit for themselves and their families. .

**Thumper10** · 11-08-2011, 02:32 PM

I just read about this on my school website. They will be sending out text messages to all students on campus at 1pm as part of the test. Smart way to keep everyone informed should anything ever go wrong and you're not around a TV, radio, etc.

**HauntedGabe** · 11-08-2011, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Thumper10

I just read about this on my school website. They will be sending out text messages to all students on campus at 1pm as part of the test. Smart way to keep everyone informed should anything ever go wrong and you're not around a TV, radio, etc.

They've done that a couple of times at University of IL. Last year when they did their first few, they were delivered to cell phones a couple hours after sent in some cases. It was dis-jointed. I think it is a good idea to test the cells too, it is all part of the package.

I'm just hoping everyone is aware, here in IL it is normally Tuesday morning.

**Disney05** · 11-08-2011, 06:01 PM

Same here in NY but at 2pm.

**BamaJenn** · 11-09-2011, 12:58 PM

Am I the only one who thinks announcing what date/times this would be done was the dumbest idea ever? DH and I saw the commercial the other day on TV and both looked at each other like "WTF??" If I were going to do something horrible... I now know when my best window to do it would be. Announce it's sometime in November but the date and time? I dunno maybe I'm just over paranoid. LOL!

**HauntedGabe** · 11-09-2011, 02:28 PM

Chi-Radio

TV-

-Fail!

EBS Jingle - YouTube

And yes Jenn, I had that moment also.

**eeyore79** · 11-09-2011, 03:03 PM

heard it on the radio and partly from the tv in the other room.

nothing with phones though...

**WDW1014** · 11-10-2011, 10:23 AM

got it at 2 pm in long island ny weird you had it at 1 pm

**Disney05** · 11-10-2011, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by WDW1014

got it at 2 pm in long island ny weird you had it at 1 pm

That was an oops. Meant 2pm.

**Keasmom** · 11-10-2011, 11:31 AM

Not sure what they did, but it messed up several toll free numbers and several area codes for dialing in. Weird, no problem before the test, now certain ones do not work at all except from my cell phone.