What will people hear and see during the test?
During the test, viewers will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” Although the National EAS Test may resemble the periodic, monthly EAS tests that most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear, which is one reason for conducting a national EAS test. The audio message will be the same for all EAS Participants; however, due to limitations in the EAS, the video test message scroll may not be the same or indicate that “This is a test.” This is due to the use of a “live” national code - the same code that would be used in an actual emergency.

In addition, the background image that appears on video screens during an alert may indicate that “This is a test,” but in some instances there might not be an image at all. FEMA and the FCC plan to conduct outreach to organizations representing people with hearing disabilities to prepare that community for the national EAS test. Outreach will include specific information tailored to the needs of those with hearing disabilities that will be readily available at online sites.

In addition, FEMA and the FCC will work with EAS Participants to explore whether there are solutions to address this limitation. The text at the bottom of the television screen may indicate that an “Emergency Alert Notification has been issued.” This notification is used to disseminate a national alert and in this case, the test.

Show All Answers

1. How does the EAS work?
2. When is the EAS used? When would a national EAS alert be sent?
3. Why do we need a nationwide test of the EAS?
4. How will the national EAS test be conducted?
5. What will people hear and see during the test?
6. How long will the test last?
7. What is the source of FEMA’s and the FCC’s authority for conducting the national EAS test?
8. Are broadcasters and other EAS Participants ready for the test? What if their equipment does not function properly?
9. Where does media communications-based alerting fit within the development of next generation alerting systems like PLAN and the availability of social networking sites as tools for emergency alerting?