October 7, 2011

GOV. MALLOY: FEMA, FCC TO CONDUCT FIRST NATIONWIDE TEST OF EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM

Test will be Similar to Statewide Emergency Alert System Tests

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. EST.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies. The National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.

"This nationwide test will enable us to determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally," Governor Malloy explained. "As recent events here in Connecticut have reminded us, reliable and effective communications are vital to ensuring the public's safety during an emergency."

Similar to statewide EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

On November 9, the public will hear a message indicating, "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public.

"This event also serves as a reminder that all individuals, families and businesses should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan," Governor Malloy added. "Personal preparedness is essential to our resiliency to any emergency."

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.ct.gov/demhs or www.ready.gov.

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For Immediate Release: October 7, 2011

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