Community Announcement from the Seattle Office of Emergency Management

Nationwide Test of Emergency Alert System

Don’t be alarmed if your favorite TV or radio show gets interrupted next Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. (2 p.m. EST) More than 20,000 television and radio broadcast stations across the country are participating in the first-ever, nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will last approximately 30 seconds.

In the event of a national catastrophe, the EAS would activate, allowing the President of the United States to address millions of people at the same time. The system is similar to that most commonly used by state and local officials for Amber Alerts and weather alerts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting the test. They have provided a number of helpful resources for people to learn more about what to expect. The following link provides information on video in English, Spanish and ASL, along with FAQs and other information: http://www.fema.gov/eastest/

The test next week only affects TV and radio systems. Please feel free to contact our office if you have additional questions.

Japanese Cultural Event at the PNA

Join us on Wednesday evening for a look at the history and experiences of Japanese Americans in Hawaii and Washington State. We'll be hearing from Mary Matsuda Gruenewald, reading from her book Looking Like the Enemy, a memoir of growing up on Vashon Island and being sent with her family to internment camps. We'll also be watching the film Great Grandfather's Drum, featuring taiko drummers in Hawaii. Join us for a discussion with the filmmakers, Japanese snacks donated by Central Market, and buy the book or DVD if you'd like to learn more. This event will be held from 7-9 pm in the Community Hall of the Brick Building at the Phinney Neighborhood Center. FREE!