The Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time Nov. 9.

At that time, an announcement will be made on every TV and radio channel indicating there is an emergency.

The purpose of the test is to assess how well the EAS can alert the public about dangers to life and property during certain national emergencies. The test is expected to last about three minutes.