Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Will Not Involve UK Alert

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2011) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) at 2 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Nov. 9.

The University of Kentucky Police Department says UK Alert, the university's emergency communication system, is not part of the test.

Since the EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.  These communications outlets are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public.

Local EAS tests on radio and television are conducted regularly, but this is the first nationwide test. On Nov. 9, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. A national test will help the federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.

"A national test of our Emergency Alert System, with the vital communications support and involvement of participants, is a step towards ensuring that the alert and warning community is prepared to deliver critical information that can help save lives and protect property," said Damon Penn, FEMA's assistant administrator of National Continuity Programs. "Because there has never been an activation of the Emergency Alert System on a national level, FEMA views this test as an excellent opportunity to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system.  It is important to remember that this is not a pass or fail test, but a chance to establish a baseline for making incremental improvements to the Emergency Alert System with ongoing and future testing.  It is also important to remember that the Emergency Alert System is one of many tools in our communications toolbox, and we will continue to work on additional channels that can be a lifeline of information for people during an emergency."

As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses.  Anyone can visit www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

For more information, visit www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test.