EAS to test national emergency system

This is a test, this is only a test.

But it is the first national test of the Emergency Alert System.

“Tests have occurred at the state and local level for years,” said Jerry Bergquist, Stutsman County emergency manager. “This test is important in making sure the system is effective in communicating information to the public at a national level.”

EAS relies on special equipment operated by local broadcasters. These EAS units monitor set radio frequencies and break into the broadcast to give an alert. Locally initiated tests are heard on radio stations about once a week. Bergquist said this national test will determine how well the system works from top to bottom.

The EAS system is designed to alert the public through the media of any natural or manmade hazard. On a national scale the EAS could alert the nation’s population of a terrorist threat or catastrophic hazard. It is more commonly used on a local level for weather warning notifications.

“The test should be heard over broadcast radio, television, satellite radio and direct broadcast services,” Bergquist said. “It won’t include the Internet, telephones or mobile telephones.”

Notes on the FEMA website said some broadcast television stations may display a message saying an actual emergency was occurring. The website stresses that the audio message conveyed on radio and television will say that a test was occurring.

“The test should run about 30 seconds,” Bergquist said. “There should be some sort of message on every radio and television station at the same time.”

The test is set for 1 p.m. today. Staff at the Emergency Management Office will monitor the local media outlets for compliance.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

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