National Emergency Test to Take Place Today

If you hear alarms going off seemingly everywhere at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 9, do not be alarmed, local officials are saying.

That's because the first-ever test of the nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) is scheduled to take place at that time. 

The test is scheduled to last for three-and-a-half minutes and will be broadcast on TV and radio networks simultaneously. It is being coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"In the event there is a national emergency or any other hazard, the President would use the Emergency Alert System to address the American public," a press release received by the states.

This is a test. This is only a test.