10/07/2026
FEMA to Conduct Alaska Emergency Alert
System Pre-Test on October 7
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct a statewide Emergency
Alert System (EAS) test in Alaska on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. This statewide test will
help FEMA identify technical or procedural issues before the nationwide EAS test scheduled
for November 17, 2026.
What to Expect
The Alaska only test on Oct. 7, will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test but will announce the test a national EAS system not an Alaska EAS test.
On Wednesday, October 7, at approximately 10:20 a.m. AKDT, normal radio and television programming in Alaska
will be briefly interrupted to relay a test message. The interruption is expected to last about one minute. The
message will state that it is only a test and that no action is required by the public. The Alaska pre-test will not
include Wireless Emergency Alerts sent to cellular phones.
Why Alaska Was Selected
Alaska has a mix of urban, remote, and wilderness areas, allowing FEMA to assess signal reception across varied
terrain in one state. Additionally, its geographic separation from other states reduces the chance that the test
signals will reach neighboring states.
About the 2026 Nationwide Test
The nationwide EAS test scheduled for November 17, 2026, will evaluate the readiness and effectiveness of the
infrastructure used to distribute a national emergency message. FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
Division will originate the test message and participating broadcasters and other communications providers will
relay it to the public through radio and television broadcasts nationwide. For additional information, visit FEMA’s web
page for Frequently Asked Questions about the Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 10 Office of External Affairs:
▪ News Desk at (425) 487-4610 or [email protected]
▪ Congressional Affairs at [email protected]
