The next nationwide Emergency Alert Systems (“EAS”) test, conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”), is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11.

No specifics regarding this year’s test have been released, but according to a press release, it is assumed that all broadcasters will be required to participate.

FEMA has proposed conducting this year’s test via the National Public Warning System, through the FEMA-designated “Primary Entry Point” (or “PEP”) facilities (i.e., radio broadcast stations that are the primary source of the initial broadcast for a qualifying alert). The intent behind conducting the test in this manner is to determine the capability of the EAS to deliver messages to the public in the event that internet dissemination is unavailable.

The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar that begins with “This is a test of the National Emergency Alert System …”

To learn about the history of the EAS test, click here.