Missouri Prepares For Emergency Alert System Test

November 8, 2011
With the nation preparing for the testing of the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) tomorrow, officials in the state of Missouri are hoping residents will take the opportunity to update their emergency preparation kits. According to ABC 8 News, the system test will commence in Missouri at 1:00 PM Wednesday.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced in a June press release that it had partnered with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) in an effort to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS. Although the system is tested weekly and monthly at local and state levels respectively, an assessment of the entire system has never been done. The agencies hope the testing will show areas for improvement.
In an effort to operate a faster and smoother chain of communication, President Barack Obama has delegated what is normally his task of activating the system to the director of FEMA.
Missouri officials have asked their residents to use the warning as a reminder to check for expired items, such as food, batteries, and medical supplies, in your home’s emergency preparation kit. They say you should stock pile enough supplies to survive without food or power for three days.
The Missouri Personal Injury Lawyers with Cofman Townsley would like to hear from you. What goes into your emergency preparation kit? Will the testing of the EAS be beneficial? Tell us what you think by posting to our Facebook page.