'This is a Test' of the Emergency Alert System

On Wednesday afternoon, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission will conduct the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.

The test will affect Boston at 2 p.m. on Nov. 9 and should last between 30 and 60 seconds, according to a press release from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

Individuals can expect to hear the test through radio and television services, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers. The test will reach across all states as well as the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

According to the press release, the audio portion of the test will begin with the words, "This is a test," but the images displayed on individual television screens as well as the included scrolling text may not indicate it is a test.

The purpose of the test, the press release reads, is "to determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally."

Statewide tests of the system are conducted frequently, according to the release.

The system was established "to enable the president of the United States to address the American public during emergencies." The National Weather Service as well as local officials use portions of the system periodically as well.

[Editor's note: The original post, taken from our sister site in Wayland, was posted with the Wayland reference still in the text. It has been fixed.]