People listening to the radio and watching and TV will interrupted on Wednesday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m. when the first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be conducted. The EAS is monitored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

"This Nationwide test of the EAS will be similar to the frequently conducted local tests," said Josh Roberts, Emergency Management Specialist at the City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management. "The only big difference is that this Nationwide test will be initiated at the Federal level, with the intent of being broadcast simultaneously to all local radio and television, cable, and satellite service providers across the U.S."

The EAS is a public alet and warning system that enables local, state and federal emergency officials - including the President of the United States - to address the public during extreme emergencies. The test on Wednesday should last no more than three minutes and during the broadcast, there will be a message alerting viewers and listeners that the broadcast is only a test.

The test is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the effectiveness and readiness of the National EAS and to ensure the ability to alert and warn the public in case of a major national emergency.