Mississippians Should Prepare for National Emergency Alert System Test

Pearl-The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges all residents to be prepared for the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System that will take place at 1 p.m. on November 9. The test will last for 30 seconds. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is broadcast. 

 “Mississippi regularly conducts EAS tests with the message played over a staggered period of time on TV and radio stations, but this national test will take over all channels and stations simultaneously for 30 seconds,” said MEMA Director Mike Womack. “We just want people to know ahead of time this test is coming and to not be alarmed.”

MEMA encourages the public to use this event as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses.  Visit www.msema.org for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

The test is being conducted by the FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as part of their ongoing efforts to keep the nation safe during emergencies and strengthen our resilience against all hazards.

For additional details on the nationwide EAS test please visit www.fema.gov/eastest/