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Emergency Alert System - First Ever Nationwide Test Nov 9
All radio-TV broadcasters and video providers to participate


On November 9, 2011 at 2:00 pm ET, a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be conducted. Similar to the local EAS tests conducted on a regular basis, the national test will include all broadcast TV stations, radio stations and video providers and will last up to 60 seconds. Charter will be actively participating in this test.
 
The national EAS test will be conducted jointly by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS), the three federal agencies that have EAS management responsibilities.
 
During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” Although the EAS test may resemble the periodic, local EAS tests that most people are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see on their TV screen. The audio message will be the same for everyone; however, due to limitations in the EAS, the video test message on cable TV systems will not indicate that “This is a test.” This is due to the use of the live emergency alert code – the same code that would be used in an actual emergency. The text at the top of the television screen may indicate that an “Emergency Action Notification has been issued.” Charter wants to ensure that all customers, specifically those that are elderly and hearing impaired, are aware this is only a test and there is no need to become alarmed.
 
Although the EAS has been in existence for over 15 years, there has never been an end-to-end, nationwide test of the system. The nationwide test is being conducted to verify the reliability of the EAS system and its effectiveness in alerting the public on a national scale.
      
For more information regarding the November 9 nationwide EAS test, go to www.fcc.gov/pshs .