Blueridge Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I read about this last week, after my mother became upset when she saw a very brief TV announcement about it. Today my dh got this email that was being circulated through his company (cellular telephone). Just an FYI so you can be expecting it. << Please make others aware that on November 9th at 2pm EST . There will be a test of the Federal Emergency Alerting System . This is a test of national preparedness . There has been little media coverage of this and there is a possibility of great confusion and panic . All radio and TV stations will be taken over by the government for a 3 minute test . Then they should return to normal programming . The total exercise will run for 30 minutes across the country . Most people are not aware of this event and we can expect the possibility that our systems may overloaded with calls ... I wanted to let everyone to be aware of the possibility . http://www.fema.gov/ >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I heard about this on our local NPR station today. I didn't realize it's nation wide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertDweller Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Thank you! This is the first time I've heard about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Well, that's kinda creepy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elise1mds Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I'd heard about it. I figure it won't really affect me unless they plan to start knocking on every single door during that time because I'll be at home with the TV and radio (well, except maybe Pandora, which I doubt will be affected) off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myeightkiddies Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I heard about it on the radio. It's a good thing and a necessity; however, it is a bit unsettling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 People still listen to the radio and watch tv? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
learningmama Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I've heard about it and even saw a tv commercial a few days ago. The commercial was kind of weird. Just a slightly older guy saying this will happen. I know stations have done "tests" for years, but don't know about all the hype for this one. Don't watch tv at 2 pm anyway, so I don't mind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Yeah, they were running an anti-terrorism drill on 9/11. Hope that's all it is. :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 My email provider sent out a notice a few days ago. That's the only place I'd heard about it. But then, we did just disconnect our cable and we no longer get the newspaper, and I don't glance at the news online everyday so maybe that's why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueridge Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 ... All radio and TV stations will be taken over by the government for a 3 minute test . http://www.fema.gov/ This is the part that is really creepy to me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 CBS Dallas just posted a blurb on FB about it. Otherwise we probably would have never noticed...Now if they took over the internet...then we might have panicked :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 My cable company sent out an email- they said to expect to have to unplug/replug in our cable box, modem, etc. in order to reset it after the test. I think they're hoping people will remember to do this instead of everyone calling them to report their cable and internet are out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pooh bear Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 So long as the voice of Orson Wells does not come across the airwaves, then I think that we will be OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoforjoy Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 This is the part that is really creepy to me... Why? Doesn't your PBS station ever do this? I'd say once every few months, we get a test of the emergency broadcast system on PBS; I'm assuming this is similar, just on a larger scale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 So long as the voice of Orson Wells does not come across the airwaves, then I think that we will be OK. :lol::lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I never would have noticed. The TV and radio is off at that time around here. Now if they took over cell phones and internet, that would freak me out. They've been doing these tests for a long time, the only difference is that this one is simultaneous, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I've heard about it and even saw a tv commercial a few days ago. The commercial was kind of weird. Just a slightly older guy saying this will happen. I know stations have done "tests" for years, but don't know about all the hype for this one. Don't watch tv at 2 pm anyway, so I don't mind! I've seen the commercials on Ion for at least the past week. Interestingly, it is the station (we get OTA from MD, DC, and NoVA) that routinely uses the alert for weather emergencies. I don't think I have ever (in my lifetime) seen the alert system activated otherwise. The first few times it completely freaked me out. Now, I pay attention, but it's usually flash flood warning in Loudoun County or something else I don't need to act on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Is it creepy when the normal emergency alert system is tested? The only difference is that this one will happen nationwide all at the same time, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I normally have my tv on at 2pm. I have one of the music channels on. Of course, this Thursday at that time, we will be at the orthopedist office anyway, so who cares? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Well, that's kinda creepy. Yes it is. Why on earth haven't we heard about this before now? Why freak a bunch of people out? :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 (edited) Why? Doesn't your PBS station ever do this? I'd say once every few months, we get a test of the emergency broadcast system on PBS; I'm assuming this is similar, just on a larger scale. Yeah, I was under the impression all broadcast stations were required to conduct a test on a regular basis ("this is a test... Beeeeeeeeeeeeeee... This has been a test of the emergency broadcast system. In the event of an actual emergency..." I may have heard it once or twice. ;) ) the same way radio stations are required to give their call sign hourly or something. I would assume cable stations aren't required to test because it's normally used for local emergencies? So they're leveraging an alert system already in place for federal emergencies and extending it to national (i.e. cable) stations? The only odd thing is that they're all doing it at once. Edited November 7, 2011 by MyCrazyHouse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T'smom Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I think it's a great idea and I'm really glad they're doing it. We need to be more prepared as a nation for emergency events. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I don't know what's creepy about it. But,....I am picturing a War of the Worlds type situation in which a bunch of pundits decide that it is some sort of government conspiracy. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I've heard about it and even saw a tv commercial a few days ago. The commercial was kind of weird. Just a slightly older guy saying this will happen. I know stations have done "tests" for years, but don't know about all the hype for this one. Don't watch tv at 2 pm anyway, so I don't mind! :iagree: I probably would not think much of it even if our tv was on during that time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 So long as the voice of Orson Wells does not come across the airwaves, then I think that we will be OK. :D Or if I hear the deep booming sound from the modern version, or if I see Tom Cruise running down the street... I don't know what's creepy about it. But,....I am picturing a War of the Worlds type situation in which a bunch of pundits decide that it is some sort of government conspiracy. :glare: Yes, I should alert certain members of my family. :lol: They test our sirens here (small town) on a regular basis. The TV on a weekly basis, we usually don't have it on anyway. As long as they don't mess with my internet. Although I can see them trying, as many people are not using TV/radio during the day. It's for your own protection. :tongue_smilie:;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I'm with ya, ElegantLion. If Tom Cruise jumps on my couch I'm so outta' here! After a weekend of earthquakes 'round here I'm easily scared these days, though! :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Is it creepy when the normal emergency alert system is tested? The only difference is that this one will happen nationwide all at the same time, right? YES, YES IT IS!!! :D Ft. Belvoir broadcasts over the loudspeakers for tornado warnings--wonder if they will for this test. I think it's creepy, but not in some "The Government is taking over!" kinda way--it's just the low male voice and serious tone that make me a little creeped out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Since it doesn't effect the Internet, I wonder how many people will actually notice the test. I haven't listened to the radio or had cable TV for years. I certainly didn't hear about the test from those sources. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoforjoy Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 YES, YES IT IS!!! :D Ft. Belvoir broadcasts over the loudspeakers for tornado warnings--wonder if they will for this test. I think it's creepy, but not in some "The Government is taking over!" kinda way--it's just the low male voice and serious tone that make me a little creeped out. I do agree with that. I always feel a little unsettled when they test the EBS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueridge Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 I'm with ya, ElegantLion. If Tom Cruise jumps on my couch I'm so outta' here!... You mean to tell me that you would *leave*???? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 You mean to tell me that you would *leave*???? :D Ohyeah. I don't need to hear about how I'm gonna be invaded by Thetans because I didn't have a silent birth. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I heard about it several times on tv. It's similar to the emergency broadcast tests that happen every Wednesday, except this is a newer system. It's an upgrade of the emergency broadcast system we've had in place for nearly 50 years. Nothing scary about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Since it doesn't effect the Internet, I wonder how many people will actually notice the test. I haven't listened to the radio or had cable TV for years. I certainly didn't hear about the test from those sources. We have a weather radio, and we hear the test every week, without having the tv or a regular radio turned on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueridge Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 Here is a bit more info for the curious. :) http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/services/eas/ This did *not*, however, satisfy my mother, who insists that I keep googling until I find out "what the government isn't telling us." ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Seeing Tom Cruise running down my street would be scarier than anything the government does. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Seeing Tom Cruise running down my street would be scarier than anything the government does. :lol: Ooooh, yeah. I'm right there with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 All radio and TV stations will be taken over by the government for a 3 minute test . My cable company sent out an email- they said to expect to have to unplug/replug in our cable box, modem, etc. in order to reset it after the test. I think they're hoping people will remember to do this instead of everyone calling them to report their cable and internet are out. __________________ I was under the impression all broadcast stations were required to conduct a test on a regular basis ("this is a test... Beeeeeeeeeeeeeee... This has been a test of the emergency broadcast system. In the event of an actual emergency..." I may have heard it once or twice. ;) ) the same way radio stations are required to give their call sign hourly or something. ????? If it requires resetting the modem, cable box, etc, it is more than a required announcement, and therefore different from the Emergency Broadcast System we have had for the last 50 years. Requiring an announcement and "taking over" the stations are very different. The FEMA blurb didn't really give enough details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 That's good to know -- thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloversandlions Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 I normally have my tv on at 2pm. I have one of the music channels on. Of course, this Thursday at that time, we will be at the orthopedist office anyway, so who cares? I think November 9th is this Wednesday, though. :D We rarely watch (regular) TV - Netflix streaming, yes, and some cable channels (like dh's SciFi channel, or ds's History Channel), but that's it. I haven't listened to the radio, except Pandora, in years. The way to reach so many folks now would be to interrupt the internet, but that sounds like a scary proposition to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acurtis75 Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 We have internet based phones at our office and received a notice that they would be down for 5 minutes on Wednesday. I'm not sure if that means the internet will be down also because it wasn't mentioned in the email from Comcast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasar31629 Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Here is a bit more info for the curious. :) http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/services/eas/This did *not*, however, satisfy my mother, who insists that I keep googling until I find out "what the government isn't telling us." ;) :lol: Cracking up over your mom! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Well you know during the time they take all communication down is the time the government will be communicating with the alien vessels. It's just so we can't overhear. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Here is a bit more info for the curious. :) http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/services/eas/This did *not*, however, satisfy my mother, who insists that I keep googling until I find out "what the government isn't telling us." ;) hmm isn't this the same day the asteroid is going to be coming close to us. :confused: ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoxcell Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What will they be doing for that 3 min? Sending out brainwashing radio waves.:lol: Well Wednesday is my ds 2nd b-day so it is all for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheryl h Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 hmm isn't this the same day the asteroid is going to be coming close to us. :confused: ;) What!!??? What asteroid? I dont' have cable or the paper. Now I'm a little freaked out...and my husband is on the other side of the state hunting, out of cell coverage. I need to go pray now.:001_unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What!!??? What asteroid? I dont' have cable or the paper. Now I'm a little freaked out...and my husband is on the other side of the state hunting, out of cell coverage. I need to go pray now.:001_unsure: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203733504577024023220331032.html Oh sorry it is coming by on Tues, looks like by wed it wll be too late okay I'm kidding ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What!!??? What asteroid? I dont' have cable or the paper. Now I'm a little freaked out...and my husband is on the other side of the state hunting, out of cell coverage. I need to go pray now.:001_unsure: It is totally going to miss us. It is supposed to be just a little closer than moon. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloversandlions Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What will they be doing for that 3 min? Sending out brainwashing radio waves.:lol: Well Wednesday is my ds 2nd b-day so it is all for him. Your ds and I share a birthday! I hope your little one's special day is absolutely wonderful. :party: (Also, tin foil hats for craft time tomorrow, anyone? :lol:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 It is totally going to miss us. It is supposed to be just a little closer than moon. :grouphug: yes yes, I didn't mean to freak, But I did hear some one musing about the 2 events happening so close together. I thought it was a bit funny. any way I's just being a bit silly. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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