Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Today

Just a quick reminder there will be a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS)today. Every television & radio station will be participating in the test...which will occur at approximately 1 pm Central Time. The test will last around one minute. As a reminder...it is only a test.

This will be the first test done on a nationwide basis. The system is designed to be used on a nationwide basis in the event of a nuclear attack or other national emergency. It's a way the President can address the country on very short notice should that ever be needed.

The EAS on a national level is a good thing. It's the local activations that need to be fixed (example...tornado warnings). These take too much time & many times will cover up wall-to-wall local coverage. Hopefully this is something that will be worked on in the future of EAS.