What to expect from the November emergency alert test
A national broadcast test is scheduled for November 17; this exercise does not include a phone alert.
- Event / announcement date
- 2026-09-16
- Earliest linked source date
- 2026-09-16
- NewsTumble first published
- 2026-10-27T19:40:44Z
- NewsTumble updated
- 2026-10-27T19:40:44Z
FEMA and the FCC plan a nationwide Emergency Alert System test November 17 around 2:20 p.m. Eastern, or 11:20 a.m. Pacific. Programming may briefly pause; the public need take no action. [2]
This exercise is for broadcast alerts, not a nationwide cellphone alert. In an October 20 account of FEMA webinars, the Society of Broadcast Engineers’ Chapter 37 said no Wireless Emergency Alerts will be sent during this test. [3]
The FCC says December 3 is the backup date if the test is postponed. Participating services must file initial results within 48 hours and detailed results within 45 days, helping officials assess how the relay system performed. [1]
FEMA says the test checks how broadcasters, cable and satellite services relay a national message. It may appear as audio, on-screen text or both. [2]
People who notice problems can report them to the FCC’s Public Safety Support Center. Check official notices closer to the date, since the schedule can change. [1]
The source
- Federal Communications Commission: Nationwide EAS Test Notice ↗
Source published 2026-09-16 · reviewed October 27, 2026 · Publication or release date stated in source. - Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA Bulletin Week of October 14, 2026 ↗
Source published 2026-10-14 · reviewed October 27, 2026 · Publication or release date stated in source. - Society of Broadcast Engineers Chapter 37: FEMA National EAS Test Preparation Webinar Overview ↗
Source published 2026-10-20 · reviewed October 27, 2026 · Publication or release date stated in source.
About this item: Public-service guide. No first-hand reporting or independent testing is claimed. Corrections policy.
