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Just passing on some important info I got from my Dad in an email just now about a first-ever nationwide test of the emergency alert system to be conducted tomorrow afternoon. My Dad is a national support computer specialist, and occasionally he sends stuff like this out when he finds it's valid and important, so I'm posting it here in case anyone's interested.
Seems that depending on where you are and what type of technology is in place, this test may or may not look like a test, but the real thing, due to the possible absence of the disclaimer scrolling across the bottom of TV screens, etc.
Here's the text of the email from my Dad, and I also put a YouTube link at the bottom of a video that verifies the same info:
Good Afternoon
Please be advised that on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.(EST), the federal government will be conducting the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will last up to three and a half minutes. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested. The test will be nationwide, running concurrently across all time zones.
This system test is the first of its kind. It is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. Nothing like it has been conducted in the history of the country. A concern might be that patients watching TV or listening to radios could be concerned or anxious. A suggested course of action could include alerting all Nursing staff so they are aware of what will happen and can inform patients as needed. We recommend that you inform your patients, staff, and volunteers that this event will be just a test, and not a real emergency alert.
Background:
The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system that can be activated by the President, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors, and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. The test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency.
Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wire line video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system, as well as its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers both nationally and regionally. The test will also provide the FCC and FEMA a chance to identify improvements that need to be made to build a modernized and fully accessible Emergency Alert System.
There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation message might create panic. Please share this information with your patients, staff, family, and friends so they are aware of the test and not alarmed.
For additional information about this test please visit:
· FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722
· FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny3ssr4qsQY
Seems that depending on where you are and what type of technology is in place, this test may or may not look like a test, but the real thing, due to the possible absence of the disclaimer scrolling across the bottom of TV screens, etc.
Here's the text of the email from my Dad, and I also put a YouTube link at the bottom of a video that verifies the same info:
Good Afternoon
Please be advised that on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.(EST), the federal government will be conducting the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will last up to three and a half minutes. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested. The test will be nationwide, running concurrently across all time zones.
This system test is the first of its kind. It is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. Nothing like it has been conducted in the history of the country. A concern might be that patients watching TV or listening to radios could be concerned or anxious. A suggested course of action could include alerting all Nursing staff so they are aware of what will happen and can inform patients as needed. We recommend that you inform your patients, staff, and volunteers that this event will be just a test, and not a real emergency alert.
Background:
The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system that can be activated by the President, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors, and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. The test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency.
Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wire line video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system, as well as its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers both nationally and regionally. The test will also provide the FCC and FEMA a chance to identify improvements that need to be made to build a modernized and fully accessible Emergency Alert System.
There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation message might create panic. Please share this information with your patients, staff, family, and friends so they are aware of the test and not alarmed.
For additional information about this test please visit:
· FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722
· FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny3ssr4qsQY
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