Patterson stresses emergency preparedness as nation readies for test

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson encourages Oakland County residents, businesses, schools and communities to develop or review and update their emergency preparedness plans on the cusp of the nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Communications Commission, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will conduct the nationwide EAS test at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, for more than three minutes, using the Presidential message code--Emergency Activation Notice--for the first time in history. All radio, television, cable and satellite operators will air the test at that time. On Nov. 9th, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. A nationwide EAS test will help federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally. "This historic test is happening at a time when our nation is ever more vigilant against manmade and natural disasters," said Patterson. "It is a good reminder to develop an emergency preparedness plan or update your existing one." Preparing for an emergency event ahead of time will enable a quick response, and possibly save the lives of individuals and their families. Information on how to develop an emergency preparedness plan and kit can be obtained at www.oakgov.com/homelandsecurity or by calling Oakland County Homeland Security Division at 248-858-5300. Published: Mon, Nov 7, 2011