Emergency alert test planned Wednesday across Nevada

CARSON CITY -- Don't alarmed at 11 a.m. Wednesday when your favorite TV or radio show abruptly stops and is replaced by a bunch of weirds sounds and a strange but official-sounding voice comes on.

It's the first ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System. All TV, radio, cable and satellite shows will be interrupted. The test is designed to ensure that national leaders can communicate quickly with the people in an emergency.

Adrienne Abbot, chairwoman of the Nevada Emergency Alert System, said original plans called for a 3½-minute test, but the cable TV industry objected, and the test will last only 30 seconds.

The national Emergency Alert System is a warning system that can be activated by the president to provide information to the public during emergencies.

Nevada broadcasters conduct tests of their equipment each month, Abbot said, but this will be the first national test. The test will be conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.