This Wednesday, November 9th, at 11:00 a.m. PST, there will be a national test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This is the alert & warning system which sends tones and an emergency message to radio and television stations.
Here are some key things that you should be aware of:
• This test is expected to last 30 seconds despite initial reports which indicated that it would last as long as 3.5 minutes.
• Some cable television companies expect this test to disrupt programming. Comcast customers can find helpful information at this website: http://www.comcast.com/nationaleastest
• Some people may not see a familiar banner or crawl across their television screens depending on the technology being used. Some people may only hear a voice during the test that says this is a test.
• FEMA has released a good video about this test at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407
• We want to remind everyone not to call 9-1-1 during this test or broadcast.
Please know that this EAS Alert & Warning system is different than our phone-based notification system. If you have not registered your VOiP or mobile phone to receive direct alerts from Cowlitz Co Emergency Management, based on your geographic address, please go to our website to sign up your phone. Look for the “Alert Cowlitz County” button on the left side of the page.
As always, Cowlitz County Emergency Management will be paying special attention during this national test to how it affects our local community. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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