If your radio or television program pauses for an emergency alert late in the morning on Nov. 17, listen for the test announcement.
FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission plan a nationwide Emergency Alert System test at approximately 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Washington time. Programming is expected to resume after about a minute.
The official test notice says the message will identify itself as a nationwide test and tell listeners that no action is required. Depending on the station, it may air in English, Spanish or both.
What about phones?
This test covers the broadcast Emergency Alert System. FEMA's questions and answers confirm that Wireless Emergency Alerts, the separate system that sends alerts to mobile phones, are excluded from the Nov. 17 test.
The Washington Emergency Management Division shared a reminder on Oct. 30, emphasizing that residents should expect the test on radio and television.
FEMA says testing helps identify technical and operational problems before the system is needed in an emergency. If an actual emergency or significant weather event requires postponement, the backup date is Dec. 3.
Sources: FEMA's 2026 national test page and frequently asked questions, and Washington Emergency Management Division's Oct. 30 reminder, checked Oct. 30, 2026.
