National Emergency Alert Test on November 9, 2011

On Wednesday, November 9, at 1:00 PM CST, a first-of-its-kind nationwide test will be conducted in order to fully test the Emergency Alert System. The following statement comes from FEMA:

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, we’re working in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for any type of hazard, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information should it ever be needed.

Here are specific items we want everyone to know about the test:

• It will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 1:00 PM CST. 
• It will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. 
• Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.” 
• When the test is over, regular programming will resume. 

MemphisWeather.net intends to also use this opportunity to test our StormWatch alert services. This will involve sending a test Tornado Warning for all counties in the MWN coverage area, including Crittenden in east AR; Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette in west TN; and DeSoto, Tunica, Marshall, and Tate in north MS. MWN testing will be conducted between 2:00-3:00 PM CST. Those subscribed to StormWatch e-mail alert lists or who are following StormWatch Twitter feeds will receive the test Tornado Warning. No action is needed on your part.

For more information on the national EAS test, please see these FEMA FAQ's.