TODAY: Expect a Test at 1 p.m.

Today at 1 p.m., the federal government will conduct a nationwide test of the National Emergency Alert System (NEAS).

Regularly-scheduled television, radio, cable and satellite programs will be briefly interrupted as the system is being tested. Televisions and radios will broadcast a series of tones followed by a message that describes the test. The Civil Defense/Severe Weather Warning Siren System throughout Hennepin County will not be tested during Wednesday’s test.

Be aware that this event is a test, and not an actual emergency alert.    

The test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as part of national emergency preparedness efforts.

“I encourage residents to use this national test as a reminder to establish an emergency plan,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, “Every citizen should learn more about emergency planning for their family, school community, or business.”

The national test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information in the event of an emergency. The test will help federal partners and broadcasting participants to determine the reliability of the system, as well as its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers both nationally and regionally.  

Natural disasters, such as tornadoes and floods and man-made disasters such as criminal activity or threats/acts of terrorism may prompt evacuations or a large emergency response. When disaster strikes, it can be difficult to communicate with authorities, family, schools and employers– due to overloaded communications networks or downed cell towers.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office suggests the tips below to get started on a communications plan:

• Identify an out-of-town contact. Sometimes it’s easier to place a long-distance call when an emergency strikes. Instruct family to call the contact to “check in.” Make sure that every member of your family knows the contact’s phone number.
• Label your emergency contacts as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your cell phone contact list. First responders are trained to look for this if you are in an accident.
• Teach family members to text. Text messages often get around network disruptions, where a phone call might not be able. During the 9/11 attacks, in certain locations, texting was available when there were network disruptions.
• In case electricity is down, be ready to have an alternate way of charging your cell phone—such as a charger in your vehicle.
• Encourage friends and family members to subscribe to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office alert service Nixle. Go to www.hennepinsheriff.org to subscribe.  In addition, contact your local police department to subscribe to its Nixle or email information services.
• Consider maintaining a traditional landline in order to ensure telephone service in case of cell phone disruptions. A landline offers a reliable method to call 911 when necessary which is an especially important consideration for households with young children or people with special medical concerns.
• Remember that households with landline telephones that use VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol service) may not have phone service if there’s a power outage.

For more information visit: 

• www.Ready.gov
• FEMA http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html
• Department of Homeland Security  http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts.shtm