Politics & Government

Don't Stress; It's Only a Test

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Eastern Time.

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will take place in the Philadelphia area and across the country at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Conducted by the the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the National Weather Service (NWS) the national test serves the purpose of determining whether the system would be effective in reaching the entire country in case of a substantial disaster.

The test is expected to last approximately 30 seconds on Wednesday afternoon. Regularly scheduled television, radio, cable and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested and will resume once the test is completed.

Find out what's happening in Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During this time, a message will be broadcasted across all media outlets indicating that, "This is a test." Similar to local EAS tests, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline providers across all states and territories, including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.

This event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities and businesses, according to a federal government prepeared statement.

Find out what's happening in Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The site, Ready.gov, has information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit FEMA's Emergency Alert System page here.


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