Washington - Jun 9, 2011 - During its open meeting, the Federal Communications Commission heard a presentation from the FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and FEMA.

The first national EAS test will be sent on Nov. 9, 2011, at 2 p.m. ET. In his statement, FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Chief Jamie Barnett noted that the test is essential to testing the effectiveness of the Emergency Alert System.

Two EAS tests have been held in Alaska using the EAS EAN code. Both tests were considered successes for the information they provided on the effectiveness of the system and for the problems that were discovered during the tests.

The FCC proposed rules to authorize a national EAS test in 2010. When the rules were proposed, the FCC said it would give at least two months' advance warning that the test is coming but would not reveal the exact time and date.

FEMA held a webinar in April to discuss the forthcoming test.