by Randy J. Stine, 02.17.2010
ANCHORAGE, Alaska A test of the Emergency Alert System that included the first planned activation of the Emergency Action Notification event code was likely just the first of several exercises the Federal Emergency Management Agency will take, seeking data to help plug coverage gaps in the planned next-gen EAS.
The EAN is the activation code that would allow the president of the United States to address the nation directly via broadcast radio stations, TV stations and cable outlets during a national emergency.
The Alaskan test in January was observed by a large contingent of FEMA and Federal Communications Commission personnel and was deemed a success by most involved despite a few glitches. The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Alaska Broadcasters Association, the Federal Communications Commission and FEMA officials coordinated the event.
The Alaska Broadcasters Association provided this image for TV and cable systems to use during the test.
The overall success of the exercise will be measured in part by a statewide followup survey of radio and TV broadcasters by the Alaska Broadcasters Association.
The FCC has since proposed an annual nationwide test of the national alert capability of EAS in a subsequent rulemaking proposal and is asking for comments to EB Docket 04-296 (Radio World, Feb. 1).
For more click here: http://www.radioworld.com/article/94818
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaskans tuning in to their radios and TVs Wednesday morning will witness the first national emergency exercise of its kind.
Radio, television and cable providers are participating with federal and Alaska partners in a live statewide test of the nation’s Emergency Alert System that’s employing a never-used code to be applied in a national crisis. The test, set to begin at 10 a.m. (AST), will help officials prepare for a future national exercise not yet scheduled, according to the state and federal officials.
The three-minute airing, to be activated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is unlike regular periodic tests aired by broadcasters. It’s the first official activation of the Emergency Action Notification code, which technically gives the president access to airwaves to address Americans during a national crisis.
More at: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-alaska-emergency-test,0,7539364.story
Recent Comments