[EAS] WEA Enabled Phones to Receive Emergency Messages

[Dave Turnmire]

On 5/16/2012 10:44 AM, Mike McCarthy wrote:
> The problem Clay is the SECC is only in relation to Part 73/74/78
> stations.  There is zero authority or influence on any other entity or
> organization outside of that sphere. IPAWS and cell carriers are
> completely independant of the SECC/EAS as we know it.  And it's going to
> give EAS a black eye in the process.
>
The fact that the SECC doesn't have "authority" over someone isn't the 
same thing as saying they can't communicate with them.  Our SECC 
meetings also include what we call our "SECC Advisory Council" that 
includes a representatives from a large number of entities with an 
interest in EAS in particular and public warning systems in general.  
They all play a valuable role in making EAS work in our state... and 
while EAS is our focus, we attempt to keep apprised of other types of 
public warning systems.  It is in everyone's interest that the systems 
don't conflict with each other and minimize the work load and training 
issues for emergency management.  For instance, in our state, Amber 
alerts go out not only on EAS (and hopefully soon CMAS), but also 
dynamic traffic signs along the sides of some roads and displays where 
lottery tickets are sold... and NOAA Weather radio.

I'm in 100% agreement with Clay regarding the importance of SECCs being 
active... and pro-active.  I can't speak for how "civilized" people are 
elsewhere, but in my experience here, most broadcasters and cable 
companies (and government agencies) WANT to serve the public.  Each has 
its own practical problems to navigate (money, human resources, etc, 
etc) that may lead to people not "walking in their shoes" to challenge 
their motivations (if not patriotism!).  We all know from our own 
experience in our areas of expertise that some things simply aren't as 
simple to do as poorly informed outsiders might think.

As for IPAWS being "completely independent of the SECC..."... well, sort 
of.  Sure, we don't control what happens at FEMA.  But as I understand 
things, FEMA has essentially made the state the gateway to IPAWS access 
for the jurisdictions within their state (if any!).  And in our state... 
the SECC heavily influences that process... not because of our 
"authority" per se... but because we chose to be at the table and our 
expertise in public warning systems was demonstrated before IPAWS was 
dreamed up.

So... if you don't want IPAWS to "give EAS a black eye"... get to the 
table in your state if you aren't already.  If there isn't a table... 
make it!  And we have seen that FEMA is represented HERE... on THIS mail 
list of EAS participants... and acting on suggestions made here (thanks 
Al!).  I've even had a FEMA guy contact me offline due to comments I've 
made here.  I imagine for obvious reasons they are reluctant to use the 
phrase "I'm with the government and I'm here to help you" :)      but it 
appears to me that within the constraints that they have to work with... 
that is exactly the case.

Dave