Updated: Wednesday, 02 Nov 2011, 11:38 AM MST
Published : Wednesday, 02 Nov 2011, 11:38 AM MST

(NewsCore) – Every US television and radio provider will broadcast the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) next Wednesday.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said the test, which will start at 2:00pm ET and last approximately three minutes, will resemble periodic monthly EAS tests — the ones with long tonal sounds and a “this is a test” announcement — that most people are familiar with.

Such a comprehensive test has never been done in the US before, and the FCC said it is taking action now because it needs “to know that the system will work as intended should public safety officials ever need to send an alert or warning to a large region of the United States.”

It added, “A major disaster such as an earthquake or tsunami could require the use of the system to send life-saving information to the public.”

The test will not involve mobile devices, the FCC said.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpps/news/first-ever-nationwide-test-of-us-emergency-system-dpgonc-20111102-to-_15764547