FEMA has responded to reports of widespread failures during Wednesday’s nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, saying it takes “these shortcomings seriously” and intends “to work closely with all participants over the next several weeks as we assess the nature of problems with the nationwide test and how best to address them effectively.”

While it went off without a hitch in many places, the first-ever nationwide test of the EAS was marred with criticism this week after viewers from across the country reported problems, including the test occurring for much longer than scheduled or it not appearing at all. Read more

The Emergency Alert System was tested nationwide on Wednesday, giving the federal government its first opportunity to assess the system’s reliability. And, yeah, good thing they tested it out.

As the test hit stations across the country at 2:00 p.m. EST, it seemed like the number of markets reporting problems outnumbered the places where the alert went off without a hitch.

Problems occurred in New York, Los Angeles, D.C., Denver, Tampa, Chattanooga, Greensboro, and the entire state of Oregon. Read more

At 2 p.m. EST today, a familiar sound will ring out from TVs across the country.

For the first time ever, the Emergency Alert System will be tested nationwide on all radio and TV channels, including cable and satellite.  The 30-second test will be executed by the FCC, in conjunction with FEMA and the NWS.

“The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a public alert mechanism,” the FCC stated, saying that they will use “the results of this nationwide test to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS” and “make improvements to the system as appropriate.” Read more