Emergency Alert System

Emergency Alert System - Local Area Plan website

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is an alert tool that can rapidly disseminate emergency information to the general public. It can be initiated by local, state and federal officials. A national EAS alert may be activated during a national crisis, by the President of the United States. A local EAS alert may be activated in response to local events such as severe weather, floods, industrial accidents, civil disorders, or any event that poses a danger to life or property. The Amber Alert is part of the EAS system and is initiated by law enforcement.

The EAS utilizes radio and television broadcasters to relay emergency information to citizens. These messages interrupt programming on local television and radio stations and provide viewers and listeners with warnings and instructions on how to react in the event of an emergency.