Wednesday’s emergency alert might freak you out, but it could save lives
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Wednesday’s emergency alert test was bound catch some people off guard, but officials said it’s worth the scare.
Messages were sent to TVs, radios and phones nationwide at 1:20 p.m.
Cell towers were scheduled to broadcast the test for about 30 minutes.
Americans got a message that said, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
Federal Emergency Managment Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell said this is all meant to minimize confusion and maximize public safety.
“We recognize that in disasters, seconds count,” she said. “Getting alerts out promptly to our communities saves lives. That’s why FEMA is working with the Federal Communications Commission and your local public safety authorities on this test.”
