Federal Emergency Broadcast Flunks Test Wednesday

Good thing it was only a test.

Today was the first-ever national test of the Emergency Alert System, and it didn't go quite as planned.

Across the country, listeners reported cut-outs, skipping, even a Lady Gaga song playing instead of the usual "This is only a test" reminders.

The system is intended to run messages nationwide on TV, radio and cable, in the event of a massive emergency situation. The system was billed as even allowing for a U.S. president to address Americans directly.

However, the test of the system cut out on St. Louis Public Radio just as it did nationally, according to operations and programing manager Mike Schrand.

FEMA asked residents who heard the failed broadcast to write about it on Twitter @CraigAtFEMA. "We are reading, not able to answer all, but it helps (to) know what is being reported," FEMA administrator Craig Fugate tweeted. (If you do tweet, send it to us, too, @StLouisLindsay.)

Or you can email your feedback to ipaws@dhs.gov. In 45 days, the FCC will receive the results of today's test.

Were you listening to the radio or watching television at 1 p.m. today? Did you hear the test? Tell us what you heard (or didn't hear) in the comments!

And congrats in advance to anyone who turns the broadcast (especially around :31) into a dance remix.