The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for any type of hazard, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information should it ever be needed.

The familiar buzzing sound will interupt programming on both over the air television and radio stations; cable systems; satellite television and radio; and wireline video services. This will be followed by an audio message stating "This is only a test." When the test is over, regular programming will resume.