Nationwide EAS test is today
Today, Nov, 9, at 2 p.m. anyone watching television or listening to the radio will see or hear a test emergency message from Washington, D.C. But don’t worry, it’s only a test.
Maine radio and television stations and cable TV systems, along with satellite TV companies, will participate in the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) today at approximately 2 p.m. The test, originating from Washington, D.C., will last for about three and a half minutes.
During the test, the public will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” The audio message will be the same for radio, television, and cable TV. However, television viewers will see a “text crawl” at the top of their TV screens that says, “The Primary Entry Point has issued an Emergency Action Notification for Washington, D.C., until 2:15 p.m. “TV viewers may or may not see other on-screen text indicating that the alert is a test. Viewers should rest assured, however, that this is only a test.
This test will assess the federal government’s ability to send a message from Washington to all 50 states, not each state’s individual EAS network. Maine tests EAS statewide each month, and each station conducts an individual weekly test. Maine’s EAS messages are issued by the State or the National Weather Service via the Maine Public Broadcasting Network and then rebroadcast by all radio and television stations and cable systems in the State.
The national-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. The system has never been used for that purpose. Its primary use is to warn of state and local emergency situations, such as severe weather events, and it is used regularly in Maine for that purpose.
Sen. Collins, Ranking Member on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Collins wants to ensure that all of her constituents are aware that this event will be just a test, and not a real emergency alert, and know what to expect.
“Testing and evaluating our readiness to respond to an emergency is critical,” said Sen. Collins. “It is far better to discover shortfalls and lapses during a test than in an actual emergency situation when a potential breakdown could mean the difference between life and death.”
Go to www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for an actual emergency.
