The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will happen Wednesday at 2 p.m., and will probably last thirty seconds, but can last up to three and a half minutes. During the test, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted.
This will be the first nationwide test of the EAS, which is usually done monthly on the state level, and weekly on the local level.
Just like during local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.” The reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a national alert system in case of emergency will be tested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, so that adjustments can be made.
