Emergency-alert system rolled out

Northern Nevada has a new emergency-alert system, called Wireless Emergency Alerts.

According to a news release:

People can sign up to receive messages warning of imminent threats to safety in their area.

The information about Amber Alerts, extreme weather and other threatening emergencies comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service and local public-safety officials.

Cell towers will broadcast the messages much the way an AM/FM radio station does. Receiving emergency-alert texts is free.

For more information, go to www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/wea.html.