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A Required Monthly Test (Event Code: RMT) is a test of the Emergency Alert System that MUST take place once a month. Tests happen across the United States. It contains 3 S.A.M.E. data bursts, followed by the attention signal. This will then lead to a 10 to 30 second voice message explaining that this is only a test and that there is no real emergency, followed by an EOM.
When will these tests happen?[]
This test is planned by each state's Emergency Management Agency office or by each State's Association of Broadcasters. Each state conducts their tests at separate times. This happens only once a month. A required weekly test will not be issued in the week a monthly test is scheduled.
A Required Monthly Test will occur between 8:30am and sunset on odd numbered months, and between sunset and 8:30am on even numbered months.
A Required Monthly Test will be scheduled so that it will not be broadcast during a large television event, such as the Super Bowl or The Olympic Games, nor will one happen during a planned presidential speech.
A Required Monthly Test will also not be issued if the EAS has been activated legitimately during the calendar week.
Required Monthly Test Schedule[]
| Month | Time |
|---|---|
| January | 8:30am – Sunset |
| Febuary | Sunset – 8:30am |
| March | 8:30am – Sunset |
| April | Sunset – 8:30am |
| May | 8:30am – Sunset |
| June | Sunset – 8:30am |
| July | 8:30am – Sunset |
| August | Sunset – 8:30am |
| September | 8:30am – Sunset |
| October | Sunset – 8:30am |
| November | 8:30am – Sunset |
| December | Sunset – 8:30am |
Where can I see or hear these?[]
This type of alert can be seen or heard on TV, AM or FM radio stations. When issued, they must be broadcast within 60 minutes. They may also be sent to your cell phone if you have not opted out of test messages (NOTE: If you have a cell phone, then it is recommended that you turn on tests so that you can be sure that your phone receives warnings).
Additionally, some National Weather Service offices do schedule Required Monthly Tests to be conducted (Example: NWS Spokane schedules RMTs for December and June and NWS Milwaukee schedules RWTs (Required Weekly Tests) every two months on the first Wednesday at 8:50 pm; another example: NWS Omaha does a Statewide Test in March, July, and November).
Why do these tests happen?[]
This test is conducted to make sure the Emergency Alert System is working correctly in case of an emergency, such as a tornado, fire, earthquake, or other severe weather or natural or man-made disasters.
Examples/Gallery[]
