[SFDXA] Broward County to Participate in First Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test on November 9

[Robin Terrill]

Broward County to Participate in First Nationwide Emergency Alert System
Test on November 9


  

	

  


	

DATE: November 1, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT: Chuck Lanza, Director
Broward County Emergency Management
PHONE:             954-831-3900      
EMAIL:  <mailto:clanza at broward.org> clanza at broward.org 

Broward County residents will participate in the first-ever nationwide
emergency alert system (EAS) test which will be conducted on Wednesday,
November 9, at 2 p.m. (EST). The audio message, similar to the local EAS
tests that most residents are already familiar with, will be the same for
radio, television and cable, will last up to three and one-half minutes and
the public will hear a message stating, "This is a test."

The test is being coordinated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications
Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

The test will determine if the public is able to receive timely and critical
emergency information as part of national preparedness efforts. Broward
County's Emergency Management Division will be monitoring the EAS test to
assess the system's capabilities locally.

FEMA officials explained that November 9 was chosen as it is near the end of
the hurricane season and before the severe winter weather season begins in
earnest. The 2 p.m. broadcast time was chosen to minimize disruption during
rush hours while ensuring that the test occurs during working hours across
several time zones in the United States. During the test, the National
Weather Service will provide situational awareness of possible severe
weather and climate threats to the United States.

The nationwide EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the
president of the United States to address the American public during extreme
emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted, the nationwide
test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television,
satellite radio and television services, all weather/alert radios and
wireline video providers across all states and territories.

The event is designed to serve as a reminder that everyone should establish
an  <http://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/Default.aspx> emergency
preparedness kit and an emergency plan for themselves, their families,
communities and businesses.  

Anyone can visit  <http://broward.org/emergency> broward.org/emergency or
<http://www.ready.gov/> 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.