FEMA to Conduct New National Alert System Test That Touches All Channels

Hartland Deerfield Fire Chief Adam Carroll thought this would be good to pass along this email he received to everyone:

"Please share this information with all of your friends and families. Please be sure to advise them that 'THIS IS A TEST ONLY.'

"On Nov. 9 at approximately 2 p.m., the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission will test the Emergency Alert System (EAS) using the presidential message code, Emergency Activation Notification (EAN). The EAN code has never been tested before.

"The test, which is meant only to be a system live test, will be very different from the ones citizens are used to hearing.

1) The Test will come from FEMA. It will be over three minutes in length. It is usually 10 seconds for weekly tests and only 1 minute for monthly tests.

2) All radio, television, cable and satellite operators will air the test at exactly the same time. Viewers and listeners usually change channels when a test comes on. This time it will be on every channel simultaneously.

3) The system test will take place on Nov. 9, 2011.

4) Citizens in your area may become fearful and overly concerned no matter how many times the test message says: 'THIS IS ONLY A TEST.'

"Broadcasters have and will continue to take steps to prepare their listeners and viewers by airing PSAs, (Public Service Announcements) covering the test in the news and having their on-air personalities discuss the test during programming. The PSA messages use the exact language approved by the FCC and FEMA.

"We want you to be aware of the test as it is possible that some will not listen to the message completely or will misunderstand and call 911 overloading phone lines, making it difficult for real emergencies to get through.

To watch an example of the test, click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEntLwSGEs"

Please call (810) 632-7676 if you have any questions. Thank you.