FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at approximately 1:20 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Through this test, FEMA will assess how participating broadcasters and other communications providers receive and relay a national test message to the public.
FEMA is required by law to conduct a nationwide test of the public alert and warning system at least once every three years. These tests evaluate the operational readiness and effectiveness of external Emergency Alert System participants and the infrastructure they use to relay national emergency messages to the public. Emergency Alert System participants include radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers.
The test message may be delivered as audio, on-screen text or both, depending on the provider. After the test concludes, normal programming will resume.
See more information on the 2026 Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
