On Wednesday, November 9th at 1pm Central Standard Time, the FCC will conduct its first nationwide test of the Emergency Broadcast System (EAS).  The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public.  Local and and state components are tested weekly and monthly, but there has never been an end-to-end nationwide test of the system.  Wednesday’s alert will be transmitted throughout the country and will be monitored by EAS participants.  The participants will then report the results of the test to the FCC.  The test will involve only those communications service providers that participate in the EAS.  It will not include mobile communications devices.

For more information, go to www.fcc.gov.