Associated Press Published

W.Va. to Test National Alert System Next Week

WVDHSEM.jpg

West Virginia is gearing up to test a national alert system next week.

Officials say the Federal Emergency Management Agency will lead a test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System in West Virginia on Wednesday afternoon.

The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the West Virginia Broadcasters Association and others will participate in the test.

It is expected to last about two minutes and goes beyond traditional TV and radio emergency notifications to include alert messages to Facebook, Twitter, websites and digital signs.

U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall says West Virginia is the only state to be chosen for this integrated test. The results will be used to inform a nationwide evaluation of the system next year.