The Colorado Emergency Communications Committee and National Weather Service will conduct a statewide test of the Emergency Alert System. This test will be using a “live” event code (“TOR” or “SVR”) in connection with a statewide tornado test planned for Tuesday, April 21 between 8-11 a.m. The test is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 19-25, which has been designated by Gov. Bill Ritter.
 
The Colorado Broadcasters Association and Colorado Emergency Communications Committee believe such a test is necessary, expressing concerns that “without the live codes, the ‘test’ information would not be relayed through law enforcement communication, thus weakening a test of warning dissemination.”

Part of the test will alert the public that it is a drill to avoid unnecessary panic.