Alert system to be tested nationwide Wednesday

Federal and local agencies are warning folks not to panic when their favorite TV and radio programs are interrupted at 11 a.m. Wednesday. It’s only a test.

Federal officials will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System. The test will last 30 seconds.

It’s the first time in 15 years that the system will be tested across the entire United States at the same time. Regional tests of the system are more typical, according to Cheryl Bledsoe at the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency.

The alert system allows the president to address the public during emergencies. The National Weather Service, governors and other authorities may use the system for localized alerts.

The test will allow federal groups to test the reliability of the system and identify incremental improvements that can be made, a Federal Emergency Management Agency news release said.

An audio message will say, “This is a test,” the FEMA release said.

CRESA asks the public not to call 911 to report the test.