If you're watching NBC 4 New York -- or any other TV station across the country -- and see an emergency broadcast, don't be alarmed.
That's because the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Administration are requiring TV and radio stations to test the Emergency Alert System at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday.
The alert system was put into place in 1987 to warn Americans about weather and national emergencies. It will also allow the president to speak to the American public within 10 minutes of being activated.
Mobile devices are not part of Wednesday's test.
The test will last less than one minute and NBC 4 New York will resume coverage immediately after the test concludes.
