Corbett Community Forum

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will take place on November 9 at 11:00 am Pacific time.  Some things you need to know:

• The test will last approximately 30-60 seconds
• The test is similar, but not identical to, the monthly tests we see and hear on television and radio
• There may be no indication that it is a test.  This is due to technical requirements in sending out a message of this kind.  Television stations have been asked to provide a text banner indicating that it is a test.  Radio stations are more limited as they don't have the ability to provide a secondary aid.  This could be confusing to those who are unaware of the test.

You can find out more information on our website at http://www.multco.us/em (http://www.multco.us/em) or at http://www.fema.gov/eastest/ (http://www.fema.gov/eastest/).  The test will be conducted as a joint effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

This is a good reminder to register at PublicAlerts.org to receive emergency alerts in your area.  If you have a land line phone, your number will be in the system.  But if you have a cell phone or voice over IP (VOIP) phone, the system can't call them unless you register.  You can also add an email address.  This information is not shared with third parties and is only used in an emergency where there is a significant event or danger to life safety or property. 

Thanks everyone!

Multnomah County Emergency Management
503.988.6700
www.multco.us/em (http://www.multco.us/em)
www.facebook.com/MultCoEM (http://www.facebook.com/MultCoEM)
www.twitter.com/#!/MultCoEM (http://www.twitter.com/#!/MultCoEM)