More Information about Nationwide Emergency Alert System
MEDIA ALERT:
Monday, November 7, 2011
[Dallas County says when Emergency Alert System goes out don’t stress, it’s
only a test]
[Dallas, TX] – [The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, or
EAS, will take place at 1:00 p.m., Central Time, and 12:00 noon, Mountain
Time) on November 9, 2011. The broadcasters, along with FEMA and the FCC,
have been working hard to ensure both the success of the test AND that the
public is informed and fully aware in advance.
Remember – DON’T STRESS, THIS IS ONLY A TEST!
Also provided for your use and your websites are the links below in American
Sign Language (ASL) in both English and Spanish for the deaf community.
This is being provided and it is important to note that the video might not
show or might not advise that “this is a test.” To address specific
concerns for our deaf citizens since the VIDEO test might not say “this is
only a test” and the radio or audio version will.
Per the FCC: due to limitations of the EAS, the video test message may not
be the same and may not indicate “this is a test”. This is due to the use of
a “live” national code – the same code that would be used in an actual
emergency. Also, the background image that appears on video screens may
indicate “this is a test” but in some cases there may be no image at all.
FEMA and the FCC plan to reach out to organizations representing people with
hearing disabilities to prepare that community for the national test.
We provided the following links for you to view:
English voice and text/ASL http://deaflink.com/video/eas/l_eng.html
Spanish voice and text/ASL http://deaflink.com/video/eas/l_span.html
This test is similar to the way local emergency alert system tests are
conducted; HOWEVER this will be the first nationwide test. It is expected
to be broadcast simultaneously on most U.S. radio stations and television
stations to include (cable and satellite). This nationwide EAS Test will
help determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in
enabling the President of the United States to address the American public
during extreme regional or national emergencies.
Scott Greeson CEM®, LEM
Interim Director/Planning Section Chief
Dallas County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management