St. Michael Area Joins Nation in Federal Alert Test

On November 9, 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.

This event is a test, and not 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.

Across the Crow River in Hennepin County, law enforcment officials were asking residents to be aware of the test, and to participate.  

“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 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. 

On a monthly basis, the Sheriff’s Office tests the Civil Defense/Severe Weather Warning Siren System throughout Wright County. However, sirens will NOT be tested during Wednesday’s test.

Wright County tested sirens last week, on the first Wednesday of the month. 

Both sheriff's offices offer the follwing tips.  

Use the tips below to get started on a communications plan in case of an emergency: 

* 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 Wright or Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office alert service–Nixle. Contact your local police department to subscribe to its Nixle or email information service.

* 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.