FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
09/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2026 11:48
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
Release Date:
September 17, 2026
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time, Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
2026 National Test FAQs
Review frequently asked questions about the 2026 national test of the Emergency Alert System.
Why does FEMA conduct nationwide tests of public alert and warning systems?
FEMA is required under the IPAWS Modernization Act of 2015 to conduct nationwide tests of public alert and warning capabilities at least once every three years. These tests allow FEMA to identify technical or operational issues before the system is needed during an actual emergency.
What is the Emergency Alert System?
The Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system that requires radio, television, cable, satellite, and wireline video providers to deliver emergency alerts to the public. The Emergency Alert System is one way that FEMA may use to distribute alerts during an emergency.
When will the nationwide Emergency Alert System test occur?
The nationwide Emergency Alert System test will take place at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on November 17, 2026.
What happens if severe weather or an emergency occurs on test day?
If an actual emergency or significant weather event occurs on test day, FEMA and the FCC may postpone the test. The backup date for the nationwide test is December 3, 2026.
Will individuals receive Wireless Emergency Alerts to their phone during this test?
No. Wireless Emergency Alerts were tested in 2023, but they will not be part of this year's test. This year, FEMA is assessing the Emergency Alert System, which is made up of thousands of radio, television, cable, satellite, and wireline broadband providers.
Will the test interrupt television or radio programming?
Yes. Normal programming may be briefly interrupted on radio and television stations. This interruption is expected to last about one minute.
Why might some stations broadcast different visual or audio formats?
The Emergency Alert System involves thousands of independently operated radio, television, cable, satellite, and wireline broadband providers. Because they use different equipment, visual displays on television may differ by station. Some broadcasters may deliver the message in English, Spanish, or both, depending on their typical audience and station capabilities.
How does the nationwide Emergency Alert System test support national preparedness?
Because the system involves thousands of independently operated stations and devices, this test will allow FEMA to identify operational issues and other areas of improvement. FEMA can then work with its partners to improve the Emergency Alert System to ensure it operates as expected in the event of a real national emergency.
Will the test message include accessibility features?
Yes. The test will include alert tones to support accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Broadcasters may provide audio in English, Spanish, or both.
Does the Emergency Alert System collect personal data?
No. The Emergency Alert System does not collect personal data from the public. It is a system used to broadcast information.
Who decides when a national alert would be sent in a real emergency?
A national alert would be issued under the direction of the President or a designated representative. FEMA is responsible for authenticating and initiating the alert.
What should the public do during the test?
No action is required. The test is routine and helps ensure the system operates effectively during emergencies.
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency published this content on September 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 17, 2026 at 17:48 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]