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October 17, 2011                                                                    Patti Thompson  

National Test of Emergency Alert System Set for Nov. 9  

First-everNationwide Test of Broadcast Alerting System 

SPRINGFIELD – Radio and TV stations across thenation will participate in the first-ever nationwide test of the EmergencyAlert System at 1 p.m. CST on Nov. 9. The three-minute test will be conducted by the U.S. Department ofHomeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA).

“The Emergency Alert System is an important tool forproviding critical information to the public during emergencies,” said JonathonMonken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).  “This nationwide test is a very ambitious andnecessary step to ensure the viability of the system.”

Monken said the test will be similar to those peoplehear monthly on their local radio and TV stations.  The main difference is that on Wednesday, Nov.9, all TV and radio stations will be conducting the test at the same time.

EAS is a national public alert and warning systemthat enables the President of the United States to address the American publicduring extreme emergencies.  Alertingauthorities can leverage the state and local EAS to send alerts and warning toradio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and televisionservices and wireline providers.

"Broadcastersare proud of the important role we play as 'first informers' in times ofemergency," said Dennis Lyle, president and CEO of the IllinoisBroadcasters Association.  "In the 60-year history of the EmergencyAlert System and its predecessors, the system has never been tested on a nationwidebasis.  While we hope it will never be used for a Presidential alert,it's important to test the system end-to-end in order to seek continuous improvementof this life-saving alerting system."