Federal gov't sets emergency alert test set Nov. 9

The federal government has scheduled a test of the nation's Emergency Alert System for Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Chris Smith, head of Nevada's Emergency Management Division, said the test will begin at 11 a.m. in Carson City and last for about three minutes.

During that period, regularly scheduled TV, radio, cable and satellite shows will be interrupted while the system is tested.

"A critical element of any emergency is the delivery of accurate information," Smith said.

But public safety officials issued a statement on the test to make sure people know it's a test, not a real emergency.

The test will be conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.