FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) test 11/9/2011

FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program Office, in close coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first Nationwide EAS Test on November 9, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Test will last approximately three and a half minutes.

The national-level EAS leverages the communications support of participating radio, television, cable, satellite, and wireline providers throughout the country.  FEMA administers the EAS, and conducts training, tests, and exercises as directed by Executive Order 13407.

FEMA, the FCC, and NOAA’s vision for improving the EAS is incremental, which means testing the readiness and effectiveness of the EAS as it currently exists is the first step. A more effective and functional EAS requires continual testing to identify necessary improvements so the system can deliver critical information that will save lives and protect property.

While the test will not involve a role for your State and local operations, we will continue to keep your office informed as we enter the final stretch toward accomplishing this milestone event in the history of the EAS.  Please consider communicating the Nationwide EAS Test information to your communities of interest. We greatly appreciate your assistance and invaluable efforts for this important public service.

In order to prepare the public, we will provide continuous and timely information through a number of resources via the FEMA IPAWS website http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm.