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VA-EAS.ORGVirginia State Emergency Communications Committee |
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The Shenandoah Valley Local AreaLOCAL AREA PLANOrigination
A. Guidance for National Weather Service PersonnelNWS personnel should issue EAS Weather Alerts via the Weather Teletype, and on NOAA Weather Radio using the NOAA-SAME/EAS Codes. NWS procedures should be followed relating to the transmission of the SAME/EAS Codes, the 1050 Hz Alert Tone, and the reading of the weather bulletin script.Considering that NOAA Weather Radio is being envisioned in the future as an "All Hazards" radio network, alerts for other than weather emergencies may soon be originated by NWS personnel. In the event that NWS personnel originate non-weather EAS Alerts, procedures found in this plan regarding those alerts should be followed. B. Guidance for Emergency Services OfficialsSpecific procedures for local EAS activations are contained in Appendix C of this plan. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is designed so that agencies with an emergency message need transmit that message only once, and it will be received by all area broadcasters and cable operators simultaneously. In the very near future all EOC's will have an EMnet uplink, connected by satellite to VDEM in Richmond. This will allows them to input EAS alerts directly into the system. Under this local area plan, EOC's are authorized to make such activations but they are reminded to take caution. Currently, all requests for activation should be directed through the appropriate county or city E.O.C., operating under state D.E.S. guidelines. NO EXCEPTIONS SHALL BE MADE UNDER THE CURRENT PLAN. This procedure is essential to insure that authentication procedures are followed. Although it could be possible for any agency to contact a non-LP broadcast station in the event of an emergency, and that station could simulate an EAS activation, such activations are considered to be outside this plan and therefore may be classified as a "false or deceptive EAS transmission" as per 47 CFR 11.45. Although 47 CFR 11.55(a) states that "the EAS may be activated at the State or Local area levels by broadcast stations at their discretion for day-to-day emergency situations", 47 CFR 11.55(b) specifically states that "EAS operations must be conducted as specified in State and Local Area EAS Plans." THIS PLAN STATES THAT ALL ACTIVATION REQUESTS BY CIVIL AUTHORITIES OR INDUSTRY FOR THIS LOCAL AREA BE DIRECTED TO BOTH LP STATIONS AND NOT TO ANY OTHER BROADCAST ENTITY. Here's why:
A WORD OF CAUTION: Emergency Services agencies have acquired a valuable new tool in gaining direct access to all area broadcasters and cable operators via the EAS. However, if not used prudently, they put themselves in danger of losing this tool. Broadcasters and cable operators are expecting the EAS to be used only in life-threatening emergencies. Keep in mind two things. First, some broadcasters and cable operators have their EAS Decoders set on Automatic Mode. There is no one to screen your message and decide if it should be aired. They are depending on you to only send an EAS Alert for a very serious emergency. The first time you trigger the system for a frivolous event, you will lose the confidence of your area broadcasters and cable system operators. The second thing to remember is that broadcasters and cable operators participate in the local level EAS on a voluntary basis. No one can force them to carry your EAS alerts. Maintain a good relationship with your local broadcasters and cable operators, and they will come through for you in a crisis.
After the initial EAS activation has been distributed from the State Police to the LP stations, it will be rebroadcast by the LP stations to other stations in this area. Stations may rebroadcast the initial EAS activation once and then, if they elect, broadcast the AMBER information at least every 15 minutes for the first two hours, and every 30 minutes for the next three hours. As per the State AMBER alert plan, "The decision to rebroadcast the "AMBER Alert" information will be left up to each individual broadcasting station and is completely voluntary". Stations operating unattended may not be able to broadcast the AMBER information beyond the initial EAS alert.
The initial EAS activation will serve to alert stations that an AMBER alert has been issued so they may monitor their fax machines for supplemental information from the VSP, if applicable to thier region. Law enforcement is encouraged to utilize fax broadcasts to the stations in the SVEAS so that the stations have the supplemental information for their additional broadcasts. A current fax broadcast list may be obtained from the SVECC chairman. The fax broadcast should include a script which conforms to the State Amber Alert Plan. Stations should be alert for incoming faxes in the hours following an CAE activation which may contain additional information or a cancellation of the alert.
Under no circumstances should a SVEAS station, LP or otherwise, directly originate an AMBER alert. Although it could be possible for any agency to contact a broadcast station in the event of an emergency, and that station could simulate an EAS activation, such activations are considered to be outside this plan and therefore may be classified as a "false or deceptive EAS transmission" as per 47 CFR 11.45.
Although 47 CFR 11.55(a) states that "the EAS may be activated at the State or Local area levels by broadcast stations at their discretion for day-to-day emergency situations", 47 CFR 11.55(b) specifically states that "EAS operations must be conducted as specified in State and Local Area EAS Plans." The State plan requires that AMBER activations be routed through the State Police.
Operational guidance regarding AMBER may be posted on the SV-EAS website.
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