

This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. “This is a test of the National Emergency Alert System. The EAS test message lasted approximately one minute long and the audio said: During the test, radios and televisions across the country interrupted normal programming to play the EAS test message in English or Spanish. The EAS national test in 2021 was very similar to regular monthly tests typically originated by state authorities. Previous EAS national tests were conducted in November 2011, September 20, October 2018, and August 2019 in collaboration with radio and television stations and emergency management officials. 11, 2021 FEMA, in coordination with the FCC, conducted the sixth nationwide test of the EAS.

After each test, an after-action report and improvement plan is created and incorporated into future testing to ensure continual advancement of alert and warning capabilities. Testing will help ensure an effective and reliable system exists to provide timely and accurate alerts to the public.The testing process is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the IPAWS Open Platform for Emergency Networks and assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether technological improvements are needed.The Act, which became law in April 2016, requires FEMA to help ensure that under all conditions the President can alert and warn the civilian population in areas endangered by natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters or threats to public safety.

The IPAWS Modernization Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-143) requires FEMA to conduct, not less than once every three years, a nationwide EAS test.National-level tests of EAS evaluate the readiness of the system and our national alerting capability in the absence of internet connectivity. FEMA is also responsible for national-level EAS tests and exercises.
