National Emergency Alert System Test Takes Place Nov. 9

A national test of the Emergency Alert System will take place in Farmington and Farmington Hills on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. The message will be broadcast on television, radio, and other methods of mass communication.

“The EAS has never been tested on a national level,” Communications Supervisor Sgt. Ron Shankin said. “Conducting this test is an opportunity to assess the system’s capabilities at all levels.”

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public alert and warning system that uses the communication tools of EAS participants, including broadcasters, cable television, wireless cable systems, satellite digital audio radio, direct broadcast satellite services, and wireline video providers, in order to allow the President of the United States the capability to address the American public during a national emergency.

In 2006, President George Bush signed an Executive Order that stated it is the policy of the United States to have an effective, reliable, integrated, flexible, and comprehensive system to alert and warn the American people in situations of war, terrorist attack, natural disaster or other hazards to public safety and well-being.

“This test will play a key role in determining if the public is able to receive timely and critical information as part of a larger effort to assess national preparedness for all hazards,” Lt. Denny Hughes, who also serves as the City’s Assistant Emergency Manager. “Our state and national award-winning Emergency Preparedness Commission (EPC) has worked diligently for years to get preparedness messages out to the residents of Farmington Hills and Farmington.”

Additional information about preparedness, including tips on how to gather necessary items for a 72-hour kit, can be found at fhready.com.

--City of Farmington Hills press release