SACRAMENTO, Calif. – FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and in partnership with our local Office of Emergency Services, will conduct the first nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test on Nov. 9, at 11 a.m.

“The purpose of this test is to assess the effectiveness of the EAS and identify any improvements that may be needed,” said Steve Cantelme, deputy director of the Office of Emergency Services. “We want to insure the readiness of the system and our processes to better serve our communities in the preservation of life and property.”

The National-level EAS is a national public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies.

What Can The Public Expect to Hear/See?

The Test may look like regular, local EAS tests that most people are already familiar with, but there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will repeat “This is a test.” The video message scroll may not indicate “This is a test.” The message will last for approximately three minutes and then regular programming will resume

Where Will the Public Hear/See the Test?

On all participating radio, television, cable, and satellite providers (who are called EAS Participants).

EAS Participants include all broadcasters, satellite and digital radio and television, cable television and wire video providers who ensure the system is at a constant state of readiness.

For more information, contact Chris Andis, (916) 874-2691 – County; or Amy Williams, (916) 808-5014 – City.