New York to Participate in Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test

ALBANY, NY (11/04/2011)(readMedia)-- New York State broadcasters will participate in the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, November 9.

The test will be broadcast on all New York State radio and television stations and cable TV systems at approximately 2:00 p.m. EST, and will last up to 30 seconds. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted simultaneously as the system is being tested.

New Yorkers should be aware that this event will be just a test, and not a real emergency alert.

The test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The nationwide test will involve television and radio stations across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

DHSES encourages the public to use this event as a reminder that everyone should be prepared for emergencies. Visit www.dhses.ny.gov for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

Sign up for free at www.nyalert.gov to receive EAS alerts, as well as other emergency information that might affect your community.