National emergency alert system to be tested Wednesday

National emergency alert system to be tested Wednesday

YOUNGSTOWN

A 30-second nationwide test of the emergency alert system will be broadcast at 2 p.m. Wednesday on U.S. radio and TV stations, the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency has announced. The national emergency alert system is an alert and warning system that can be activated by President Barack Obama, if needed, to inform the American public during emergencies. The system is often tested locally, but the nationwide test will help evaluate and improve the system, should it ever be needed nationally, the EMA said. Wednesday’s test will be conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.