Residents across Manatee County and the nation can expect a temporary interruption to regularly scheduled television and radio programming on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, as federal officials conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct the test beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time. The test is expected to take place during a 30-minute window ending at 2:50 p.m.
The nationwide exercise will be transmitted through radio and television broadcasters to evaluate the system’s ability to deliver emergency information to the public during national emergencies.
Unlike some previous nationwide emergency alert tests, the November 17 exercise will not include notifications sent to mobile phones. Residents do not need to take any action when the alert appears or sounds.
During the test, television viewers may see a message identifying the broadcast as a nationwide Emergency Alert System test. Radio listeners may hear the familiar emergency alert tones followed by a notification explaining that the transmission is only a test.
The Emergency Alert System serves as a critical communication tool that allows federal, state, and local authorities to distribute important warnings and emergency instructions during disasters and other significant threats to public safety. The system can be used to communicate information about severe weather, natural disasters, and national emergencies.
Federal law requires FEMA to conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at least once every three years. These exercises help federal agencies and broadcasting partners evaluate the system’s reliability, identify potential technical issues, and maintain readiness for actual emergencies.
For Manatee County residents, where hurricanes, severe storms, and other weather-related emergencies remain a concern, reliable emergency communication systems are an important part of community preparedness.
Officials emphasize that the November 17 broadcast is strictly a scheduled test and does not indicate an actual emergency.
Additional information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency at FEMA.gov.
