This Wednesday, November 9th, at 2 pm Eastern Standard time, every TV broadcaster, cable channels, radio stations, and satellite radio program from Puerto Rico to Missouri to American Samoa will be distracted for 30 seconds by the federal Government. Don't panic
It was the first test of national emergency warning system (EAS), which hopes to provide key information immediately to all Americans in the event of national emergency. This national system will look and sound a lot like the current (and local) emergency warnings are often seen on TV or hear on the radio, but greater coverage and can be placed under the direct control of the President. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Weather Service (dir.) will all coordinate tes, but it is FEMA that actually sends the alert code.
But not to worry! Although such a warning message may seem terrifyingly real, they'll end up audio displays a message explaining that this is just a test. The Government is still concerned that a user, in particular, the possible error test for obvious signs. The FCC has produced a series of short commercials to inform people about the tests, and cable operators take warning people about it on their cable bill monthly (which everyone reading, right?).
So what's so special about 9 November at 2 pm? FEMA has the answer. "November 9th is near the end of the season before winter storms and severe weather season began in earnest," said the Agency, "2: 00 PM EST time broadcasting would minimize disruption during peak hours, while ensuring that the test occurred during the hours of work in the United States."