[EAS] FW: Max Length of EAS Messages

[Ed Czarnecki]

Clay and Jim - The CMAS message may well be a separate message from the EAS
one.  A CMAS Alert Message processed by a mobile carrier is limited to 90
alphanumeric text characters.  The CMAS protocol message is generated by the
IPAWS aggregator/gateway information CAP message received from the
state/county/local alert originator..

So, while CAP will be delivered to TV/Radio/Cable EAS Participants, the
mobile carriers will get a separately formatted CMAS protocol message.  CAP
is not delivered to the mobile carrier gateway, nor to the mobile device.
Also, not all "EAS" alerts would meet the threshold of getting CMAS status
(only presidential and "imminent threat to life & property").

One way to look at is that the CMAS alert is intended to get people
attention of a person with a very basic alert.  The person would then be
implicitly expected to seek out other media for confirmation of the alert
and more information.

The CMAS formatted alert would be constrained - within 90 characters - to
the following content:
- event type or category
- area affected
- response description (i.e. "shelter" or "evacuate")
- Expiration time (as e.g. "until 11:30 PM EDT)
- Sending agency

Here is a link to an image on the Aware Forum capturing a CMAS test message
from NYC on 2/16/12:
http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Uploads/145/Graph/Alertmsg.jpg

Image appears to be a Droid X2 on the Verizon network.

-----Original Message-----
From: eas-bounces at radiolists.net [mailto:eas-bounces at radiolists.net] On
Behalf Of Skinner, Jim

Clay:

As I understand it CMAS is limited to 90 Characters.  EAS is can do about
1400 characters for the limited 90 seconds discussed previously
(1800 if you are looking for trouble).  That is a huge difference.  It
would not be practical to use the same message for both.   

Nebraska Road signs are limited to 35 characters.  So if CAP is to do it all
they may need to build three messages!  And that is just for
English:o)  This is why we have State Patrol, Emergency Managers & NWS on
our SECC, we can work together to find the best solution to such issues.  

  --
Jim Skinner CPBE CBNT
NE EAS SECC Chair
KPTM/KXVO TV

 

-----Original Message-----
From: eas-bounces at radiolists.net [mailto:eas-bounces at radiolists.net] On
Behalf Of Clay Freinwald

Jim, ....Before you get everything set in concrete....Consider that CMAS
will be coming on board and you will likely not wish to have Emergency
Managers have to put out two messages to fit both systems.

On that subject, the Washington SECC meeting (Next Wednesday) will have a
presentation by Brian Daly from AT&T on CMAS, You are welcome to
participate.

Clay Freinwald

_______________________________________________
This is the EAS Forum Discussion List

Please invite your friends to join our Forum!
http://lists.radiolists.net/mailman/listinfo/eas

And, remember the main page: http://eas.radiolists.net