This is a test. This is only a test.
But this time, it's going nationwide.
If you've watched television or listened to the radio, chances are you're familiar with monthly tests conducted to make sure local emergency agencies are prepared to deliver messages in the event of a real emergency. But until now, that national system has never been tested.
Wednesday at 2 p.m., the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on all television and radio stations.
Don't worry if you have a standing date with "One Life to Live" on WSB-TV, or listen to news updates during the Clark Howard show on WSB Radio. The test will last about 30 seconds before stations can return to regularly scheduled programming, according to FEMA.
If you're watching TV, you'll most likely hear the words "this is a test," but some viewers may not, due to technical limitations of the EAS, according to FEMA. For those listening to the radio, the announcement will sound similar to the local alerts.
"In most cases, you’ll see the word ‘Test,' " Crystal Paulk-Buchanan, GEMA spokeswoman, told the AJC. "It will be fairly obvious that this is a test.”
In Georgia, the emergency response community is fully aware of the test, Paulk-Buchanan said. Still, there's always the chance someone will panic at seeing or hearing the alerts.
"The important thing to know about this test is that FEMA is using a code for an actual emergency so the text at the top of the television screen may indicate that an ‘Emergency Action Notification' has been issued," according to Phil Petree, president of NeighborhoodWatchAlerts.com.
Petree's organization has compiled information and tips on the alert on its website.
So why is the test planned at 2 p.m. this week?
"The November 9 date is near the end of hurricane season and before the severe winter weather season," according to FEMA. "The 2 p.m. Eastern broadcast time will minimize disruption during rush hours, while ensuring that the test can occur during normal business hours across several time zones."
It's also easy to remember. Nov. 9, or 11-9, is 9-1-1 reversed.
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