Nationwide emergency alert tests Wednesday

FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts Wednesday. 

The national test will consist of two portions, both of which are scheduled to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. Central time. 

The WEA portion of the text will be directed to all consumer cell phones; the EAS portion to radio and television.

The test will ensure that the systems continue to be an effective way to warn the public about emergencies, particularly on a national level.