Vets say EMS Alert set for Wednesday afternoon could create issues

SALISBURY, Md. – All Americans are set to receive an emergency EMS alert Wednesday on all of their devices including phones, televisions, and radios.

The tests are to alert Americans in case of emergency and will go out at 2:20 p.m. However, certain groups say the tests can be incredibly disruptive and even dangerous.

Veterans say the loud, unmuteable noise can trigger episodes of PTSD.

“The noises are going to send us flashbacks, It’s just like the 4th of July, most veterans go into the bedroom, shut the blinds, and turn the TV up loud and we won’t hear that, but this we’re not going to be able to,” said Vietnam Veteran Frank Bolen.

Bolen tells 47 ABC he recommends other vets attempt to silence their phones in between pillows, and is thankful the warning is being messaged ahead of time, so as to mitigate negative effects.

“Loud noises when we heard them meant bad things would happen, so to families I would say be patient with a veteran, they are not ignoring you or being distant they just need to take a moment because the noises can give us flashbacks,” he said.