Home Press Releases Re: First-ever Nationwide Test of U.S. Emergency System
Re: First-ever Nationwide Test of U.S. Emergency System PDF Print E-mail
Monday, 07 November 2011 09:47
Sheriff Paul C. May has released the following information:
Re: First-ever nationwide test of U.S. Emergency System to broadcast next week

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., a test of the U.S. Emergency System will take place. The test is part of the Emergency Alert System designed to transmit, via TV and radio, emergency alerts and warnings regarding weather threats, child abductions and other types of emergencies, according to officials.

The test is being conducted jointly by the US Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Weather Service.

While state and local tests already take place frequently, a simultaneous, nationwide test of the national EAS "emergency action notification" code has never occurred.

Such a comprehensive test has never been done in the U.S. before, and the FCC said it is taking action now because it needs "to know that the system will work as intended should public safety officials ever need to send an alert or warning to a large region of the United States."

"Fear is that the lack of an explanation message might create panic.” Please share this information with your family and friends so they are aware of  the test.
"We're asking everyone to join us by spreading the word to your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family... please remember: don't stress; it's only a test," FEMA said in a blog post.

Michele Bell, Public Information Officer
Sex Offender Unit
Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office
504 NW 4th Street
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
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(863)763- 3117; (863)763- 7157 fax