April 25, 2024

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 11 am PST. The test will last for three minutes and will affect all television and radio stations.

This is the first-ever nationwide test of the EAS.

San Marcos City officials are asking the public to help spread the word to friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors about the test to prevent public confusion and to avoid flooding 9-1-1 dispatch centers with calls.

Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the nationwide EAS test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wire line providers across all states.

During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating “THIS IS A TEST.” Although the EAS test may resemble the local EAS tests most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear.

For more information, please visit www.fema.gov.