City News

Nationwide Emergency Alert System test set for Nov. 9 at noon

Boulder County, Colo. – The first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will occur on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at noon Mountain time and may last up to three and a half minutes.

The test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Communications Commission and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The public will hear a message indicating “This is a test.” The audio message will be the same for radio, broadcast 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 wireline providers across all states and territories.

As federal, state, and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder for residents to make an emergency plan and gather emergency supplies for themselves and their families, and in their communities and businesses. Visit www.boulderoem.com or www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for emergencies and stay informed in the event of an actual emergency.

Over the past two years and as part of ongoing national preparedness planning efforts, FEMA, the FCC and other federal partners, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, EAS Participants, and others in the EAS Community have been working toward making this test a reality.  For more information about the National-level EAS, visit www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm.