Methods and systems for delaying or dismissing emergency alert system (EAS) messages displayed within multimedia content, wherein user input is provided to temporarily delay for a user selectable or predetermined time period or to permanently dismiss EAS messages. Further user input may determine a snooze period during which the display of EAS messages is temporarily suspended. In some embodiments, EAS messages are automatically delayed until a commercial is displayed. In some embodiments, EAS messages are forwarded from a customer premises equipment device (e.g., a set-top box) to a user specified communication device (e.g., a mobile telephone or remote control device) while the presentation of a multimedia program continues.