Americans watching television or listening to the radio on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, may notice a brief interruption: a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, or EAS.

FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission have scheduled the test for approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time. If an emergency or other conditions force a postponement, the backup date is December 3. The broadcast will identify itself as a test, and the public will not need to take action.

What viewers and listeners can expect

The interruption should last about one minute before regular programming resumes. Participating services include radio and television stations, cable systems, satellite providers, and wireline video services.

Unlike the nationwide test in 2023, this exercise will not send Wireless Emergency Alerts to cellphones. Depending on the broadcaster, audiences may hear the announcement in English, Spanish, or both.

Where IPAWS fits in

The Emergency Alert System is part of a broader public warning infrastructure managed by FEMA: the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, commonly called IPAWS.

IPAWS gives authorized officials a way to distribute emergency information through multiple channels. Those channels include broadcast alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts, and NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards. Using several delivery methods helps officials reach people in different circumstances—for example, someone listening to a car radio and someone carrying a compatible mobile phone.

The distinction matters: IPAWS is the wider infrastructure, while EAS is one of the systems used to deliver its warnings. A test of EAS therefore does not necessarily mean that mobile phones will receive an alert.

Why nationwide tests are necessary

Emergency broadcasting involves thousands of independently operated providers and pieces of equipment. Testing allows officials to identify technical and operational problems before an actual emergency requires the system.

Federal law requires nationwide testing of public alert and warning capabilities at least once every three years. The November exercise is part of that preparedness work.

For viewers and listeners, the practical takeaway is straightforward: expect a short interruption on November 17, listen for the explanation that it is a test, and allow normal programming to resume. No evacuation, emergency call, or other public response is required.