From the NRC Blog: Don’t Stress – It’s Only a Test

U.S. NRC Blog

Don’t Stress – It’s Only a Test by Moderator At 2 p.m. EST today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission, along with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System. The test will last about 30 seconds and be transmitted via television and radio stations. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming. When the test is over, regular programming will resume. The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system that can be activated by the President, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies. While the system is often tested in local markets, a nationwide test is being done to further evaluate and, if necessary, improve the system. For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, go to http://www.fema.gov and www.FCC.gov So don’t worry if you hear the tone – it’s just a test! Eliot Brenner Public Affairs Director