Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test at 2 p.m.

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will occur on at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

E.A.S. alerts are warnings to the American public at the national, Tribal, state and local levels.

These alerts are warnings about weather threats, child abductions and other types of emergencies. The alerts are transmitted over cable television, radio broadcast, satellite television/radio, and wireless services.

The test will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test." When the test is over, regular programming will resume.

For more information and tips on preparing your family and business for emergencies click here.

Additional resources on creating a family/business emergency plan can be found at Ready.gov.