The Local Access Alert is a warning system designed to warn radio, television stations, cable television broadcast feeds or satellite signals of impending dangers, such as tornadoes, flash flooding and other civil emergencies. The system was largely replaced by the Emergency Alert System "[1]". in the United States, although it still exists in some areas which have not yet been upgraded, and is still used from time to time in areas that have upgraded to the EAS.

An emergency population warning is a method where by local, regional, or national authorities can contact members of the public to warn them of an impending emergency. These warnings may be necessary for a number of reasons, including:Weather emergencies such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and ice storms. Geological disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Industrial disasters such as the release of toxic gas or contamination of river water. Radiological disasters such as a nuclear plant disaster. Medical emergencies such as an outbreak of a fast-moving infectious disease. Warfare or acts of terrorism.