Americans warned to prepare for official emergency alert system test

Americans have been put on notice ahead of a nationwide emergency alert test that will interrupt television and radio programming across the country.

Federal officials announced the drill will begin at approximately 2.20pm ET on November 17, with December 3 as the backup date. Officials are giving advance notice so Americans can prepare now and avoid being alarmed when the test begins.

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) connects thousands of television and radio stations, cable systems and satellite providers to deliver potentially lifesaving warnings during emergencies. It also allows the president to address the nation during a major crisis.

During the test, television viewers may see a full-screen message or a scrolling banner, accompanied by loud alert tones and a spoken announcement.

The message will clearly identify the broadcast as a test, and normal programming will resume afterward.

The drill will check whether broadcasters can receive and relay a national emergency message, helping officials identify failures before the system is needed in a real disaster.

The test comes as governments overseas are urging households to stockpile basic supplies so they can cope with emergencies without immediate help.

The UK has advised citizens to keep three days’ worth of essentials, including food and water, while former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino recently told Americans to take similar preparedness warnings seriously.

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