The first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will take place at 1:00pm Central Time on Wednesday, November 9th.  The purpose for this test, according to the Federal Communications Commission is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public.

Broadcasters, along with FEMA and the FCC, have been working to ensure both the success of the test and that the public is informed and fully aware in advance that this is only a test of the system.

Brown County Emergency Management Coordinator Brent Bush stated, “This test is exactly like the one we see on a monthly basis through the radio and television stations (the long squealing alert).  This is an extension of that and rather than everyone doing this on their own, it’s being tested on a national level.”

 

Texas Department of Public Safety officials in an email stated that “no matter how much outreach is conducted, or how plain the language is that accompanies the test alert, it’s likely that some of the public may be confused and feel compelled to contact police, fire, or other emergency services through calls to their local 911 centers.”  The public is urged to make note that this test will occur Wednesday, November 9th at 1:00pm Central Time.

Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree stated, “FEMA, FCC, and NOAH are to do this first test of the EAS system tomorrow.  It may not show up on all platforms as a test, but it is, and this needs to be publicized.”  He stated that those not aware could easily mistake it for a national disaster and that it is hoped publicity would avoid that problem for emergency responders and 911 operations.

According to Bush, the test should only last approximately 30-60 seconds.

Below link is information concerning the upcoming test in American Sign Language (ASL) in both English and Spanish for hearing impaired individuals.

English voice and text/ASL http://deaflink.com/video/eas/l_eng.html

Spanish voice and text/ASL http://deaflink.com/video/eas/l_span.html

For more information about the EAS, please visit the FCC’s EAS website at www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-eas.