For non-weather emergencies, NWS activates the emergency alert system at the request of local and/or state officials. Local or state officials then provide text information about the non-weather hazard directly to the local NWS offices. In most areas, the local or state Office of Emergency Management or Preparedness, civil defense, police or mayor sets up linkages to send messages on systems such as the EAS and NWR. - See more at: http://www.acurite.com/emergency-weather-alert-noaa-radio#sthash.ERZfITDX.dpuf