This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

It's Gonna Get Loud: First Nationwide Emergency Alert Test on Wednesday

The test, similar to local Emergency Alert System tests, tolls at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Officials are urging no calls to 911.

We've all heard the wail of the local Emergency Alert System when it interupts our favorite TV shows.

They are necessary, we know, and usually don't last too long.

On Wednesday, however, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.

Find out what's happening in Edmondswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This one is a bit longer. It happens at 11 a.m. PT and may last up to three-and-a-half minutes. Officials are getting the word out in hopes that people don't panic and call 911.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established so presidents could address the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue local emergency alerts. 

Find out what's happening in Edmondswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Similar to local EAS tests that are already conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all 50 states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

The 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.

Because there has never been an activation of the Emergency Alert System on a national level, FEMA views this test as an opportunity to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system.

For more information on this test, go to FEMA's website.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Edmonds