FEMA Conducts Nationwide Test Of Emergency Alert System

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency conducted a mandatory nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.

The system was tested on television and radio. Cell phone and other FEMA alerting capabilities were not tested during the event, the agency said.

The test occurred at 2:20 p.m. EDT Wednesday and lasted approximately one minute.

"The purpose of the nationwide test is to ensure that EAS remains an effective means of warning the public about emergencies," according to a FEMA press release. "Periodic testing of public alert and warning systems helps to assess the operational readiness of alerting infrastructure and identify any needed technological and administrative improvements."

The test message is transmitted in English and Spanish. It was similar to the monthly tests, with one exception: the word "National" was added to the test message.

For more information about the test visit the FEMA website.

In:
• Federal Emergency Management Agency