Media Advisory
November 8, 2011
Trenton, NJ
Nationwide Test of Emergency Alert System
Tomorrow - Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Twenty four (24) hours from now, the first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The EAS is designed to transmit alerts and warnings to the public at the national, state and local level. Although local and state components are regularly tested on a weekly and monthly basis, there has never before been a nationwide test or an activation of the national system. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a way to alert the public during national emergencies.
Although FEMA will initiate the test, the FCC is advising local governments that they can use the test as an opportunity to work with local broadcasters and cable providers to educate appropriate government officials and staff about the system.
Ample information about the test can be accessed at the FCC’s EAS website at http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test.
Finally, the FCC is asking local officials to inform residents in advance of the test, so that they will know what to expect.
For additional information see the League of Municipalities Mayors Advisory of November 7th on our website www.njslom.org
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For further information contact: William G. Dressel, Jr., Executive Director at (609)695-3481, extension 122 or 609-915-9072.
Follow the League on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/NJ_League
