First of all, nobody panic...

If you're watching television or listening to the radio tomorrow at 2 p.m., you'll experience a 30-second test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) that on the surface will seem like every other EAS test you've ever suffered through, except for the first time, Wednesday's test will be broadcast nationwide.

The test is a joint effort by the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. According to the FCC, the purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a way to alert the public of national emergencies.