News Release

Office of Emergency Management
5320 N Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77091
Office: 713-884-4554
Fax: 713-884-4545
Mobile: 281-796-9117

A Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System to Occur on November 9th.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be conducting the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on November 9th at 1:00pm CST.

Houston residents can expect to see and hear the test on local radio, broadcast, cable and satellite television stations.

While residents may be familiar with tests of the Emergency Alert System, this test may contain elements not normally contained in local-level activations.  An audio message will be played explaining the national test, as well as provide information on emergency preparedness.  Scrolling text visible on the screen, however, may not indicate that this is a test. 

Residents should not be concerned when they see or hear the test on November 9th, and should only call 911 if there is an actual emergency which threatens life or property.  Non-emergency calls to 911 may overwhelm the telephone network at emergency call centers and delay 911 from receiving calls from citizens reporting actual emergencies

"Even though we are almost done with this year's hurricane season, Houstonians should always be prepared for any emergency. This test will help ensure Houstonians and their families receive important messages via television or radio when national catastrophes occur," said Mayor Annise Parker.

This system is intended to provide the President of the United States the ability to communicate emergency information to the nation in a catastrophic event.  This first-ever nationwide test will help agencies identify gaps in the system and help improve it, ensuring that everyone has access to important emergency information when it truly matters.

"It is important that residents use the nationwide test as a time to ensure that they have family emergency plans in place." said Sharon Nalls, the City's Emergency Management Coordinator, “This includes having a preparedness kit, a family emergency plan, and ways to stay informed during and after emergencies."

Residents can visit the Office of Emergency Management's website at HoustonOEM.net for more information on emergency preparedness, and to sign up to receive emergency e-mails through the AlertHouston program.