National Emergency Alert System Test

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On Wednesday, November 9, at 11 a.m. FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the nation's first ever Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. The purpose of this test is to help determine if the national-level system will work as designed should officials ever need to send a national alert.

This test will last approximately three minutes and will be seen on all local, cable, and satellite TV stations across the country, as well as radio.

When the test occurs, please do not call 9-1-1. The public will hear a message lasting up to three and a half minutes indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for radio, television and cable. Click here on this link for more information -http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm.

The national-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the national test will broadcast to all television and radio stations throughout the country.

This event serves as a reminder that everyone in the Portland area should visit www.PublicAlerts.org and sign up to receive emergency notifications on their landline phones, cell phones and email addresses. If a significant emergency event occurs, emergency response personnel will notify homes and businesses at risk with information and actions that may be needed to protect life safety.

Please contact Philip Bransford, Communications Officer, Washington County, at
(503) 846-8685 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for more information or questions.