FEMA Administrator Hamilton IPAWS/EAS Nationwide Test Message
At approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers nationwide will interrupt normal programming to relay a test message. This message will make it clear it is part of a test and that no action is required by the public. When the test has concluded, normal programming will resume. FEMA’s Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system made up of thousands of radio, television, cable, satellite and wireline video providers. Through the Emergency Alert System, the President can address the American people or share life-saving information with the public during a national emergency. FEMA is required by law to conduct a nationwide test of the public alert and warning system at least once every three years. These tests allow FEMA to identify technical or operational issues before the system is needed during an actual emergency. For more information, visit the 2026 Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test webpage on FEMA.gov.
Video Summary
AI GeneratedFEMA is conducting a nationwide test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) on November 17th at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET. The test ensures the system's readiness to deliver life-saving information from the president during national emergencies. Radio and television broadcasts will be briefly interrupted by a message stating that it is only a test.