ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — If you’re watching TV or listening to the radio next Tuesday afternoon, don’t be surprised if an emergency alert interrupts your program.
There’s no need to worry. It’s only a test.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency plans to conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at approximately 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17.
The test will briefly interrupt television and radio broadcasts across the country, including in Western North Carolina. Viewers and listeners will hear the familiar emergency alert tones, followed by a message explaining that it’s only a test.
The interruption is expected to last about one minute.
Unlike the nationwide emergency alert test in 2023, Tuesday’s test will not send alerts to cellphones.
FEMA is conducting the test in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission to make sure emergency warnings can reach the public when they’re needed.
The Emergency Alert System allows authorities to interrupt television and radio broadcasts with urgent information about severe weather, natural disasters and other threats to public safety.
North Carolina Emergency Management is reminding residents that the alert is only a test and no action is required.
The FCC announced the planned test in September. A backup date of Dec. 3 has been scheduled in case the test cannot take place Nov. 17.