This is Only a Test: National Emergency Alert System Drill

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System- those beeping and buzzing noises that interrupt radio and television on occasion- is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. Pacific time.

"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," according to FEMA.

The test is scheduled to last 30 seconds and be broadcast on television and radio stations in all 50 states and territories. As with the local emergency alert tests, an audio message will interrupt the broadcast, indicate that "this is a test," a series of alert noises will air and normal programming will continue.

FEMA is conducting the test to ensure that a coordinated national EAS alert will work and to work to "identify any changes and improvements needed to modernize this system and make it fully accessible."

FEMA asks that everyone spread the word to your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family, so that no one is caught off-guard.

Find more information online at: www.fema.gov/eastest