As part of larger efforts to strengthen the nation’s preparedness and resiliency, the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nation-wide test of the Emergency Alert System.

The test, which will take place for 60 seconds Nov. 9 at 1 p.m., will take place to ensure Dallas County and the nation is prepared for all hazards and that people within the area are able to receive critical and vital information through the system, should it ever be needed.

Dallas County Emergency Management Agency director Rhonda Abbott said the tests are especially important in rural areas.

“Testing the Emergency Alert System plays a key role in evaluating and improving the systems we need in place to ensure our nation is prepared for all hazards and that people within its borders are able to receive critical and vital information through the system, should it ever be needed,” she said, “It is important to continually check alert mechanisms to ensure accuracy during an actual emergency. Citizens locally realize that once monthly EMA performs test  on our  outdoor weather sirens, the test of the EAS is just as important to ensure effective public safety, nationwide, if needed. The test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency. “

The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States, if needed, to address the public during emergencies. It is another communications tool that can protect the public.

The National Weather Service, governors and state and local authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts when there is an emergency.