This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Local tests of TV and radio alert systems have been happening for decades. While nationwide tests of the US broadcast system began in 2011, today's test marked only the second time the test message was blasted out to all compatible cell phones across the country, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).