ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County Emergency Management would like to remind residents that the first National Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test will be conducted on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 2 p.m.
The test is being conducting by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and will last about 30 seconds.
The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies. On November 9, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television.
The nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Under the FCC's rules, these broadcasters and service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public.
A 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.
As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses. Residents are encouraged to visit www.alachuacounty.us/em for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.
For more information, contact Alachua County Emergency Management Director, David Donnelly at 352-264-6500 or acem@alachuacounty.us.