30.10.2026 03:15
In the US, on November 17, television and radio broadcasts will be briefly interrupted for a nationwide emergency alert system test. At the same time, citizens in the UK were advised to stock up on three days' worth of food and water, and those in Germany on 10 days' worth. While calls for preparedness against cyberattacks and infrastructure threats are increasing in Europe, it was stated that the test in the US is a routine procedure.
In the US, on November 17, television and radio broadcasts nationwide will be briefly interrupted to test the emergency alert system. While federal officials explained that this is a routine procedure, it drew attention that warnings came from the UK and other European countries for citizens to stock up on food, water and cash. Assessments regarding possible new attacks on Iran in the Middle East also increased security concerns.
BROADCASTS WILL BE INTERRUPTED IN THE US ON NOVEMBER 17
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test will be carried out on November 17, 2026.
As part of the test, which will begin at 14:20 local time, an emergency alert will be broadcast via television, radio, cable and satellite systems.
Normal broadcasts are expected to be interrupted for about one minute, while test messages will be sent to citizens in English and Spanish.
Officials stated that the test may be postponed to December 3 in case of adverse weather conditions or a real emergency.
NO ALERTS WILL BE SENT TO CELL PHONES
FEMA announced that the November 17 exercise will only cover broadcast systems. Therefore, no emergency notifications will be sent to citizens' cell phones.
The message to be broadcast during the test will state that this is a nationwide trial and that the public does not need to take any action.
The tests, which are conducted at least once every three years under federal law in the US, check whether warning systems work in possible disasters and national emergencies.
UK CALLS FOR 3-DAY STOCKPILE
While test preparations in the US continue, the UK government also launched a new emergency preparedness campaign on October 22.
Under the campaign called "Be Ready", citizens were asked to make preparations to meet their own needs for at least 72 hours in possible crises.
The government recommended that households keep three days' worth of drinking water per person, non-perishable food, some cash, a flashlight, batteries and first aid supplies.
It was emphasized that people should be prepared especially for prolonged disruptions in electricity, water, internet and telephone services.
THEY DREW ATTENTION TO CYBERATTACK AND SABOTAGE THREATS
UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the country must be prepared not only for natural disasters but also for threats that may arise from hostile states.
Drawing attention to cyberattacks, sabotage against critical infrastructure and the possibility of state-sponsored attacks, Streeting said such threats could directly affect daily life.
The UK government, meanwhile, reported that the campaign is not only about security threats; it also covers situations such as severe storms, wildfires and technological failures.
EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS ARE INCREASING IN EUROPE
The European Union also recommends that citizens keep emergency supplies to meet their basic needs for at least 72 hours in possible crises.
In Germany, within the scope of civil defense, households are advised to make preparations to cover approximately 10 days of food and water needs.
European countries' preparedness plans include various risks such as natural disasters, power outages, cyberattacks and damage to critical infrastructure.
IRAN CONCERN IN THE MIDDLE EAST
On the other hand, it was claimed that the US warned some Middle Eastern countries against the possibility of new military operations against Iran after the midterm elections on November 3.
It was stated that US officials asked their regional allies to be prepared for Iran's retaliation against energy facilities and critical infrastructure in the event of a possible attack.
However, no official statement was made that the Washington administration had made a definite decision regarding a new military operation.
ARE THE WARNINGS CONNECTED?
The date of the national broadcast test in the US, the UK's emergency preparedness campaign and stockpile recommendations in Europe came to the agenda in the same period.
However, there is no verified information that these practices were initiated due to a common threat.
While the November 17 test in the US was explained as a pre-planned legal exercise, the preparedness calls in Europe also aim to increase social resilience against various crises, from natural disasters to cyberattacks.