Test of emergency alert system planned Nov. 9

On Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. PST the federal government will test its Emergency Alert System (also known as the Emergency Broadcast System).

This test will interrupt all over-the-air radio and television broadcasts simultaneously. This is the first time that this system will be tested nationally on a “same time” basis. Normally these tests are conducted once per month by individual radio and television stations at different times.

Because all broadcast stations will be conducting the test simultaneously it is likely that some citizens will become concerned if they switch from station to station or channel to channel and find the same interruption of normal programming.

This is a test only and should not be perceived as indicating an actual emergency.  Listeners are asked to not call 9-1-1 to ask what is occurring.

If there is an actual emergency which could affect Baker County, residents will be notified via our Code Red “reverse 9-1-1” notification system.  Information will also be posted on the Baker County 9-1-1 Dispatch website — www.baker911.org — and on the Baker County Office of Homeland Security/Emergency Management website — www.bakercounty.org/emergency.emgmt.html.

The Emergency Management website also contains information which can assist members of the public in preparing for emergencies of different types.