If you are watching TV or listening to the radio around 2 p.m. EST Wednesday, Nov. 9, you will experience the first-ever nationwide test of the country’s emergency alert system (EAS).

Wednesday’s test (said to last up to 30 seconds) will assess the federal government’s ability to send a message from Washington to all 50 states, not just to each state’s individual EAS network.

As the federal government and the media prepare to test their alerting capabilities, public safety officials say this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and an emergency plan for themselves, their families and businesses. More about the national EAS test here.