On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a mandatory nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) at 2:20 PM (Eastern Standard Time).
The nationwide test is required for all broadcast, cable and satellite companies and is intended to allow the FCC and FEMA to determine how well the nationwide EAS infrastructure works and what, if any, improvements may be necessary. The test message will clearly state that it is a test and should last approximately one minute. The alert will be transmitted in English only and include both audio and the text of the test message.
What Xfinity TV and Comcast Business TV Customers Need to Know
- During the mandatory national test on August 7, 2019, you’ll only be able to see the test message on the television screen.
- If you’re using the Xfinity Stream app, while in your home at the time of the test, you’ll also see the test message.
- It’s important to know that during the test, Comcast programming will be temporarily interrupted. You can’t change the channel or watch any other programming during the test.
- As soon as the test ends, services will return as normal.
What to Do if Your TV Service Does Not Return After the Test
- If your regular programming does not resume as normal, please unplug the power from the TV Box for 20 seconds, and then plug it back in.