National test of the Emergency Alert System
A nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) is slated for 10:20 a.m. on
Wednesday, August 7. The one-minute message will only be broadcast on radio and television.
The test assesses the functionality of alert and warning infrastructure to determine
whether or not technological improvements are needed. The test ensures that public safety officials will be able to get urgent, life-saving alerts to the public
in times of an emergency or disaster in the absence of internet connectivity.
The annual test will be conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and radio and television Emergency Alert System (EAS). A backup date is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21st, 2019, if needed.
The test message will be: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communication Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. No action is required."
The EAS test message is expected to have limited impact on the public with only a minor interruption to regular radio and television programs.