SPRINGFIELD TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONWIDE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM TEST

for more information:
Ernie Slottag 789-2235

The City of Springfield will participate in the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, (EAS), which will take place on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Conducted by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this test may last up to three and a half minutes.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system which enables the President of the United States to address the public during emergencies. Local and State EAS systems are tested regularly; however, there has never been a single nationwide test. This alert will include broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, and satellite radio and television services.

The public is encouraged to share this information with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to reduce the potential for increased calls to 9-1-1 and the Springfield police and fire departments.