The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, known as EAS this afternoon.
The radio stations belonging to the White River Now media family will be participating in the test which will be conducted at 1:20 p.m. local time. The intent of the test is to assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for the distribution of a national message as well as to determine whether improvements are needed.
To be more precise, the intent is to evaluate the readiness of the national alerting capability in the absence of internet connectivity.
In the effort, all U.S. radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio, television providers, and wireline video providers will participate in this effort.
This nationwide test is not something new. This year’s test will be the fifth EAS nationwide effort. Prior tests have been conducted in 2011, 2016, 2017, and 2018. This audio test will be similar to regular monthly EAS test messages.
This is another way broadcast stations can alert citizens to an emergency, and help keep them safe.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. and Ozark Newsline on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also broadcast weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and 99.5 Hits Now. If you have a news tip or event to promote, email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow White River Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
