News Room
A Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Will Take Place on November 9, 2011
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 1 p.m. (central time) and may last up to three and a half minutes. The public will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” The audio message will be the same for both radio, television, and cable.
The National-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the Nationwide Test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline providers across all states and territories.
Over the past two years and as part of ongoing national preparedness planning efforts, FEMA, the FCC and other federal partners, State, local, tribal and territorial governments, EAS Participants, and others in the EAS Community have been working toward making this test a reality.
As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities; this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses. Anyone can visit www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.
Disaster Assistance
The presidential disaster declaration of Sept. 9 made federal assistance available to eligible individuals and business owners in Bastrop County. An amendment on Sept. 9 added Colorado, Houston, Leon, Travis and Williamson counties. This disaster declaration became effective August 30, 2011.
That assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
It’s critically important for homeowners, renters and business owners in the six Texas counties to register for federal assistance — even if they are concerned that they may not qualify or they haven’t been able to get back to their homes. Officials with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) say residents of the area may be surprised to find they actually DO qualify for assistance.
Officials are encouraging residents in Bastrop, Colorado, Leon, Houston, Travis and Williamson counties to call 1-800-621-3362 even if:
They have insurance
Their homes are inaccessible
They are renters
They already registered with a state, local or nonprofit organization
They think they may not be eligible
They are waiting to see if their homes were damaged
They only had minor damage
For registration information please FOR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.
