It's Just a Test

Government employees received this memorandum today:

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. This nationwide test will kick off at 2:00 p.m. (EST) and run concurrently across all time zones. This system test is the first of its kind designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. As you may be aware, there have been tests in the past, but not of this magnitude encompassing all regions of the nation simultaneously. The 30-second test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band stations. For more information, please see the following link: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm There is some concern from local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. There is a fear that lack of an explanation regarding the message might create panic. Please share this information with your family, friends, and co-workers, so they are aware of the test.