(MADISON) – In just a few days Wisconsin will participate in the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will be heard on radio stations, and will be viewed on televisions across the country as part of national preparedness efforts.
The test will occur on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. and will last approximately 30 seconds. Television viewers and radio station listeners will hear a message indicating that "this is a test.”
The national-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline providers across all states and territories.
“Although EAS is frequently used by our state and local governments to send weather alerts and other emergency information, there has never been a national activation of the system,” says Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula. “EAS messages were sent out 23 times in the last two years by local and state government agencies in Wisconsin to communicate vital emergency information. Last February, EAS messages were used to warn people about treacherous road conditions during the Groundhog Day Blizzard."
The purpose of the November 9, 2011 test is to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system and identify improvements to better serve and protect our citizens and communities.
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