National test of emergency communications planned
Officials at The Federal Emergency Management Agency said they plan to conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The test will last about 30 seconds and will preempt all television, radio, cable and satellite shows across the United States, as compared to the local tests that most everyone has likely witnessed.
The agency wanted the public to be aware that it’s a test and not a real emergency.
“This first national test will ensure the readiness of the Emergency Alert System to deliver critical life-saving information,” said MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region III's regional administrator, in a statement.
The national Emergency Alert System provides information to the public during all kinds of emergencies and can be activated by the president. The test is a joint effort by FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The system can be used to provide local alerts as well as national ones.
For more information about becoming prepared, go to www.ready.gov.
