Radio and TV broadcasts in Andover and North Andover and across the country will be interrupted for about one minute on Tuesday, Nov. 17. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
The test is scheduled for approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern time, according to a FEMA press release. No action is required by the public.
Broadcasters will relay a message stating the alert is only a test. The test message will include audio and text designed to convey the same information. Some stations may broadcast in English, Spanish or both.
Cellphones will stay quiet. Wireless Emergency Alerts, the push notifications that buzz smartphones, were tested in 2023 but are not part of this year's test, according to FEMA's FAQ page. The 2026 test covers only the broadcast system of radio, television, cable, satellite and wireline providers.
If severe weather or an actual emergency occurs on test day, FEMA and the FCC may postpone the test. The backup date is Dec. 3, 2026.
