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Nationwide Emergency Alert test in November

10/30/2026

People in US warnded to prepare for nationwide eergecy alert test next month

2026 Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test

FEMA and the FCC will conduct a nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at about 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time, interrupting TV and radio programming nationwide FEMA.gov+1.

Key details

  • Date & time: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, at 2:20 p.m. ET (1:20 p.m. CT, 12:20 p.m. MT, 11:20 a.m. PT, 10:20 a.m. AT, 8:20 a.m. HT) Weatherboy+1.

  • Duration: About one minute; normal programming resumes immediately after FEMA.gov+1.

  • Scope: All U.S. AM/FM radio, TV, cable, satellite, and wireline video providers will relay the test message FEMA.gov+1.

  • Message: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency… This is only a test. No action is required by the public” FEMA.gov+1.

  • Alert tones: Standard EAS tones will play; message may be in English, Spanish, or both FEMA.gov.

  • No mobile alerts: Unlike some past tests, this drill will not trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts on cellphones and will not use internet-based rebroadcasts Weatherboy+1.

Purpose

Federal law requires FEMA to test the EAS at least once every three years Weatherboy+1. The drill evaluates the readiness of the national alert and warning infrastructure, identifies technical or operational issues, and ensures the system can deliver life‑saving information during a real crisis Weatherboy+1.

What to expect

  • You will see a full‑screen notice or scrolling banner and hear the familiar alert tones americanalmanac.com.

  • The message will be clearly marked as a test — no action is needed from the public FEMA.gov+1.

  • The test will be simultaneous nationwide and will not depend on internet connectivity Weatherboy.

Additional notes

  • If a major national event occurs, the test could be postponed Weatherboy.

  • FEMA and FCC will review results to improve future alerting capabilities Weatherboy+1.

  • Some broadcasters may adjust NextGen TV encryption settings before the test to ensure message delivery The Desk.

In short: On Nov. 17, 2026, at 2:20 p.m. ET, expect a one‑minute nationwide TV/radio alert test — no action required, but it’s a key readiness check for the U.S. emergency warning system FEMA.gov+1