[EAS] FEMA to do webinar on results of national EAS test

[Clay Freinwald]

Great breakdown, Harold...However we need to understand that EAS systems are
not constructed the same in every area....and not every area chose to use
the EBS Daisy-Chain as their sole means of getting EAN's from PEPs to LP's..
Many states are using various means of enhancing their EAS, all without any
federal pressure to do so.

Regarding how EAN's are handled here in Washington State, for example, our
system is pretty simple - 

A - If you can receive the PEP (KIRO-AM Seattle) you get it direct
B - If you cannot, you receive it from the State Relay Network (SRN) 

> Our SRN entry point is  at the State EOC.  The EOC Monitors the PEP (With
an Endec) and sends the message to the SRN which consists of a state-wide
microwave backbone feeding 10 mountain top VHF transmitters that, in turn
feed the entire state.

We highly encourage - everyone - to be connected to the SRN, thereby
minimizing the role of the LP's.

In my view, there should be no difference between an LP and any station with
ALL stations receiving EAN's (or State, NWS, Local ) FROM THEIR SOURCE.

At the local level we have installed Local Relay Networks (usually
government radio channels) instead of using LP's to distribute Local EAS
Messages.

A year ago we started rolling out our CAP system.   We are getting close now
to having 1/2 of the broadcasters in the state connected to this system.

Our CAP system enables distribution of - robust - EAS messages from not only
the State but from all counties and major cities. ...and, yes, the SRN's and
LRN's remain in place.

Clay Freinwald
Chair, Washington State SECC