Nationwide test to interrupt broadcasts

All TV and radio broadcasts across the country will be interrupted at 11 a.m. today by the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.

All TV, radio, cable and satellite shows will be interrupted by an audio message saying, "This is a test."

"This test is important because the federal government wants to ensure that an emergency alert message can be transmitted across the country if the need ever arises," Irene Navis, director of Clark County's Office of Emergency Management, said in a statement.

"While the system is tested locally and at the state level routinely, a nationwide test has never been conducted. The goal is to determine where gaps may exist so the system can be evaluated and improved."

The test is designed to ensure that national leaders can communicate quickly with the people in an emergency. The national Emergency Alert System is a warning system that can be activated by the president to provide information to the public during emergencies.

Adrienne Abbot, chairwoman of the Nevada Emergency Alert System, said original plans called for a 3½-minute test, but the cable TV industry objected, and the test will last 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Regular programming will resume after the test.

Nevada broadcasters conduct tests of their equipment each month, Abbot said, but this is the first national test.

The test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Committee and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Residents also can receive emergency alerts by subscribing to notifications through www.SONevdadaonthelert.com or www.MyStateUSA.com.