Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Set for November 17: Broadcasts Interrupt at About 2:20 p.m. ET for One Minute, No Action Required
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time (about 11:20 a.m. Pacific Time). Radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers nationwide will interrupt normal programming for about one minute to relay a test message, and no action is required by the public. The two agencies are sharing the test date in advance so the public understands what to expect on the day of the test.
FEMA said the Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system made up of thousands of radio, television, cable, satellite and wireline video providers. Through the system, the President can address the American people or share life-saving information with the public during a national emergency. FEMA is required by law to conduct a nationwide test of the public alert and warning system at least once every three years, so the agency can identify technical or operational issues before the system is needed during an actual emergency. According to broadcast trade outlet Radio Ink, this will be the first nationwide EAS test since October 2023.
At about 2:20 p.m. ET on November 17, participating providers will relay a test message stating: "This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 2:20 to 2:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public." FEMA said the test will last approximately one minute and normal programming will resume when it concludes. The message will include standard EAS alert tones to support accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and broadcasters may air it in English, Spanish or both, depending on station practices and audience needs. The FCC said that if conditions require the test to be rescheduled, the backup date is December 3, 2026.
FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with participating communications providers and with federal, state, tribal and territorial agencies to prepare for and conduct the test. More information about the Emergency Alert System is available on FEMA's website.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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