[BC] Usefulness of EAS

[Richard_Rudman]

If you are in a state where Mike's point applies, I suggest you take a look at the sample state EAS plan posted on the EAS Forum website:

http://eas.radiolists.net/

It not only contains useful CAP-specific language for state (and local) plans, but has language that makes the point that EAS is a partnership. If I were in a state where the emergency management folks do not understand the need for a partnership, language in that sample plan that might help.

Since state plans that will ultimately go to the FCC have to be signed off by those of us who do the "relay", I would submit that broadcasters in such states still retain this element of control.

If you are on an SECC and are not happy with your state plan (or how it is administered) don't sign it.

That said, there is a need for the leadership for the association for state emergency managers, NEMA, to step up here. I have already reached out to Craig Fugate at FEMA to help with this.

Richard Rudman
CA EAS SECC Vice Chair
Core member, Broadcast Warning Working Group

On Jun 14, 2012, at 6:12 AM, Mike McCarthy wrote:

> There are many states where the officials think they're unilaterally in 
> control of the program at the state level and  broadcasters are simply 
> the relaying point, a conduit with nothing more to offer