Notice: National Test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System

National Test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. This nationwide test will kick off at 2 pm (EST) and run concurrently across all time zones.

This system test is the first of its kind designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. In the history of the country, nothing like it has been conducted on such a level. As you may be aware, there have been tests in the past, but not of this magnitude encompassing all regions of the Nation simultaneously. The three (3) minute test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band stations exceeding the previous messages broadcast which were anywhere from a 30 second to 1 minute message.

There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation regarding the message might create panic. Please share this information with your family and friends so they are aware of the test.

FEMAs website provides more information regarding this test: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm

Church Leader Carries Gun out of Fear of Police

From: Globe Gazette

MASON CITY — The Rev. Shane Philpott carries a gun because of his fear of some members of the Mason City Police Department.

Read Full Article 

Note: I found this to be an interesting article. It seems that the church Reverend is carrying a gun out of fear of his own police department. I understand that the police department may have done some things wrong in this story; however, it only strengthens the point that working hard at creating a working relationship between your church and its first responders is of extreme importance.    

Police Officer at Church Saves Child

"This weekend, a Eugene Police crime prevention specialist – Officer Steven Chambers – said he was working at a youth event at the church when he "observed a commotion involving a woman calling out for her missing child," according to a press release from the Eugene Police Department."

Click to Read Full Story

Church Holds Banquet for Police Officers

"The pastor and members of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church hosted an appreciation banquet for law enforcement personnel from across the Pine Belt Saturday...Pastor Jerry Roberson said the banquet is the church’s small way of showing how much it appreciates the service rendered by the men and women in uniform."

Click to Read Article

This is a great idea to both honor the police officers and firefighters in your community and to create an opportunity to invite them into your facility. Public safety officers in your community will remember a nice gesture and will take an extra step to help keep your church facility and property safe. 

The Police and your Local Church

I came across an article yesterday that was featuring the Irving Police Department in Texas. The local police department was putting on a seminar on Church Security. Every church is not going to have the opportunity to attend a seminar by their local police department; however, they can reach out the the police and asked them for advice on how they could better protect their facility and congregation. 


It is important to liaison with your local police and fire departments. Invite them to come and visit your church building. In the event of an emergency you will want them to be familiar with the inside of your building. Hint: Purchase a few pizza's and host an open house for the police and fire department. Having a little bit of food will encourage them to stop by. 


Read Article