DOWNEY - For the first time ever, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is testing the emergency alert systems across the country at the same time.The test will occur at 11 a.m. pacific standard time on Nov. 9. The emergency alert system is a media-based alert system that transmits warnings and alerts to the public at the national, state and local levels. The system is tested at the local and state levels on a weekly and monthly basis, but a nationwide test of the system has never been done. Alerts can be broadcast for severe weather warnings, child abductions or other emergencies. FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission will conduct the approximately 3-minute test on television and radio, including on satellite and cable TV and radio. Mobile communication devices will not be involved.

********** Published: November 03, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 29