The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET, Wednesday, November 9. The National Weather Service and state and local emergency authorities use parts of the system to issue localized emergency alerts, but this is the first time the system will be tested on a national basis.

The Emergency Alert System is an extremely important communications tool that can provide alerts, warnings and other information rapidly via television and radio. This test is an important step in making sure the system will work properly in communicating a single message across the country.

On November 9, you’ll hear the “This is a test.” message you may already be familiar with from monthly local tests. The audio message will be the same for both radio and TV, although the “crawl” at the top of television alerts may be different depending upon location.

The test will last about three minutes, after which regular programming will resume.