MORRIS COUNTY — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on Tuesday, November 17, at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
During the test, radio and television stations, cable systems, satellite providers and other participating broadcasters will briefly interrupt regular programming to transmit the alert. The test is expected to last about one minute and will air in English and Spanish.
The message will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”
Unlike the last nationwide test, this one will not include the Wireless Emergency Alerts component, so cell phones will not receive the test message.
The purpose of the test is to ensure the nation’s emergency warning system is working properly and can quickly deliver critical information to the public during a national emergency. Federal law requires FEMA to test the system at least once every three years.
If severe weather or another significant event forces a postponement, the test will be held at the same time on Thursday, December 3.
The public is reminded that this is only a test. There is no actual emergency, and no action is required. Regular programming will resume immediately following the test.
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