National Emergency Alert System Test Scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday

At 1 p.m. Wednesday, the federal government will conduct its first-ever nationwide test of the National Emergency Alert System.

Regularly scheduled TV, radio, cable and satellite programs will be briefly interrupted as the system is being tested. TVs and radios will broadcast a series of tones followed by a message that describes the test.

The test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as part of national emergency preparedness efforts.

Some tips from law enforcement for getting started on a communications plan for your family in case of an emergency:

• Identify an out-of-town contact. Sometimes it’s easier to place a long-distance call when an emergency strikes. Instruct family to call the contact to check in. Make sure that every member of your family knows the contact’s phone number.
• Label your emergency contacts as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your cell phone contact list. First responders are trained to look for this if you are in an accident.
• Teach family members to text. Text messages often get around network disruptions, where a phone call might not be able. During the 9/11 attacks, in certain locations, texting was available when there were network disruptions.
• In case electricity is down, be ready to have an alternate way of charging your cell phone, such as a charger in your vehicle.
• Consider maintaining a traditional landline to ensure telephone service in case of cell phone disruptions. A landline offers a reliable method to call 911 when necessary which is an especially important consideration for households with young children or people with special medical concerns.
• Remember that households with landline telephones that use VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol service) might not have phone service if there’s a power outage.

For more information visit: 

• www.Ready.gov
• FEMA (http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html)
• Department of Homeland Security  (http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts.shtm)