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Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System on September 28, 2016

Posted on: September 27, 2016 - 4:44pm

This afternoon, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency informed the Town of the following:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission and television and radio broadcasters, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) at 2:20 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.  FEMA is sharing the following key informational points in advance of the test:

  • The purpose of the nationwide test is to ensure that EAS remains an effective means of warning the public about emergencies. Periodic testing of public alert and warning systems helps to assess the operational readiness of alerting infrastructure and identify any needed technological and administrative improvements.
  • The nationwide test will be administered by FEMA, in cooperation with the FCC and National Weather Service, and with the participation of radio, broadcast TV, cable, satellite, and other service providers (known as “EAS Participants”). EAS Participants are required to file reports with the FCC after the test, which the agency will analyze to determine how the test performed.
  • FEMA’s test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages in that the public should receive both audio and on-screen text conveying that this is only a test.  Specific language will differ slightly as it will indicate that, “This is a national test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test.” (emphasis added.)
  • The test message will be transmitted in both English and Spanish, with EAS Participants deciding which version to use for their communities. The test is intended to last approximately one minute.
  • How EAS works: Emergency alerts are created by authorized government agencies and sent to local radio and video service providers by local connections or through a central system administered by FEMA. The radio and video service providers then disseminate the emergency alert messages to affected communities. The FCC prescribes technical and procedural rules for communications providers’ participation in this process.
  • Public safety officials need to be sure that in times of an emergency or disaster, they have reliable methods and systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public when needed. Conducting regional and national testing supports the continued use, training, and improvement of the system.
  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) will not be part of the test. 
  • The back-up date for the test is October 5, 2016, in case the September 28 test is cancelled due to widespread severe weather or other significant events.
  • The test was first officially announced on July 18, 2016. FEMA and the FCC have been coordinating with EAS Participants and other stakeholders in preparation for the test."

While Wireless Emergency Alerts will not be part of the test, residents are reminded that they may activate such alerts by following the instructions below:

For iPhones:

·         Go to Settings > Notifications

·         Scroll to the bottom in the “Government Alerts” section and make sure that “AMBER Alerts” and “Emergency Alerts” are turned on.

For Androids

·         Go to Messages > Settings OR you may have an “Emergency Alerts” icon

·         Go to the “Emergency Alerts” section and make sure that “Extreme Alert”, “Severe Alert” and “AMBER Alerts” are turned on.

For other cell phone models or for technical information, contact your cell phone carrier.