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.

Representatives from Homeland Security, emergency response agencies, business and education will discuss policies and methods of disaster preparedness when Sacramento State hosts a special forum 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2.

Hosted by Emir Jose Macari, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, “Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response Through Education, Training and Exercises,” will be held in Modoc and Napa halls by the University’s College of Continuing Education.

The forum is free. Advance registration is through Nov. 29. Walk-in admissions will be accepted the day of the event if there are vacancies. To register, visit www.cce.csus.edu/conferences/webreg/Register_ohs_cpf10.cfm?CID=774.

Breakout sessions and panel topics include corporate emergency management plans, corporate and employee intelligence in support of Homeland Security, community and statewide partnerships, and shaping Sacramento State’s emergency management program for business.

Speakers include Karen Baker, California’s secretary of Service and Volunteering, California Volunteers; Christy Quinlan, California’s interim chief information officer; Stephen Alexander, TechFlow Homeland Security Division; Farley Howell, from the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency; Rick Martinez, Sacramento City and County Office of Emergency Services; and Mike Dayton, undersecretary for the California Emergency Management Agency.

The day begins with registration and continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in Napa Hall 2001 and 2002 and concludes with a University reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Napa Hall lobby.

For more information on the forum, call the College of Continuing Education at (916) 278-4433 or visit www.cce.csus.edu/conferences/ohs/cpf10/agenda.htm.