SEMA News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 04, 2011

First nationwide Emergency Alert System test is chance for public to prepare for real emergencies

Nov. 9 drill will be similar to local EAS tests, but will take place simultaneously on all stations across the country
State Emergency Management Agency Director Paul Parmenter invites Missourians to use next week's first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System as an opportunity to prepare their homes for a real emergency.
The simultaneous nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will take place at 1 p.m. Central time on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Local television and radio stations regularly test EAS with a tone, followed by a message that starts with "This is a test…" The system will be tested for how it would be used in the event of a nationwide disaster. Missouri radio, television, cable and satellite radio and television providers will take part with broadcasters across the country in the test that will last for about 30 seconds. Normal programming will continue as soon as the test is concluded.
"We in emergency management encourage the public to prepare emergency kits at home with ample basic supplies for three days without power and water," said SEMA Director Parmenter. "This is a good reminder to start a kit or to rotate out supplies that may be nearing their expiration dates." Kits should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener, first-aid kit and a list of prescription medications used by family members. More information about how to be prepared can be found at Missouri's Ready In 3 Web site: http://health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3/
In addition to being conducted simultaneously on all stations, the public should be aware that the Nov. 9 test will differ from local tests in the following ways:
·    While the audio message will mention that the EAS broadcast is a test and contain the same content everywhere, the video might not include the words "this is a test" and may vary because of differing technologies.
·    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Radio and mobile devices will not broadcast the EAS test.
The nationwide EAS test will be conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and NOAA.
For more information about the EAS test, visit http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test.

  

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov