[EAS] Cancelling Amber alerts

Fri Oct 16 14:13:35 CDT 2015

John,

An LAE doesn't indicate an "in-progress or imminent significant threat."
Here's the list.  - Phil

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Message Description Guidance

This guidance was provided by the State Emergency Communication Committee
(SECC) and Local Emergency Communication Committees (LECCs).  Local
authorized EAS message originators are encouraged to follow these guidelines
to provide statewide and nationally consistent use of these codes.

A warning or watch is normally issued only once to provide initial
notification (alert) of the event. A new warning or watch should be issued
if the hazard or recommended public protective action(s) has expanded into
another county or geographic zone, or if the valid time has been extended.
All other updates or cancellations of the event should be sent as a
non-emergency Administrative Message (ADR) or by other means (e.g.,
telephone, fax, e-mail, or media briefings) to local news media.

Non-Weather Related Emergency Messages
This section provides the recommended definitions of non-weather related
events. Most of these event codes are self-explanatory, but are explained to
ensure consistency of use by all EAS message originators.

Administrative Message (ADR)
A non-emergency message that provides updated information about an event in
progress, an event that has expired or concluded early, pre-event
preparation or mitigation activities, post-event recovery operations, or
other administrative matters pertaining to the Emergency Alert System.  A
good example of this code’s use is to cancel an Alert (except for a CAE
Alert – see note in item below). 

Child Abduction Emergency (CAE)
An emergency message, based on statewide established criteria, about a
missing child believed to be abducted. A local or state law enforcement
agency investigating the abduction will describe the missing child, provide
a description of the suspect or vehicle, and ask the public to notify the
requesting agency if they have any information on the whereabouts of the
child or suspect. NOTE:  The CAE (AMBER Alert Code) is generated and
cancelled in Washington State only through WSP, in accordance with the State
AMBER Alert Plan.

Civil Danger Warning (CDW)
A warning of an event that presents a danger to a significant civilian
population. The CDW, which usually warns of a specific hazard and gives
specific protective action, has a higher priority than the Local Area
Emergency (LAE). Examples include contaminated water supply and imminent or
in-progress military or terrorist attack. Public protective actions could
include evacuation, shelter in place, or other actions (such as boiling
contaminated water or seeking medical treatment). If cancellation of a CDW
is needed, use the ADR event code.

Civil Emergency Message (CEM)
An emergency message regarding an in-progress or imminent significant
threat(s) to public safety and/or property. The CEM is a higher priority
message than the Local Area Emergency (LAE), but the hazard is less specific
then the Civil Danger Warning (CDW). For example, the CEM could be used to
describe a change in the Homeland Security alert System level in response to
a terrorist threat. If cancellation of a CEM is needed, use the ADR event
code.

Evacuation Immediate (EVI) 
A warning where immediate evacuation is recommended or ordered according to
state law or local ordinance. As an example, authorized officials may
recommend the evacuation of affected areas and where to move due to an
approaching tsunami. In the event a flammable or explosive gas release,
authorized officials may recommend evacuation of designated areas where
casualties or property damage from a vapor cloud explosion or fire may
occur.

Fire Warning (FRW) 
A warning of a spreading wildfire or structural fire that threatens a
populated area. Evacuation of areas in the fire’s path may be recommended by
authorized officials according to state law or local ordinance.

Hazardous Materials Warning (HMW)
A warning of the release of a non-radioactive hazardous material (such as a
flammable gas, toxic chemical, or biological agent) that may recommend
evacuation (for an explosion, fire or oil spill hazard) or shelter in place
(for a toxic fume hazard). If cancellation of a HMW is needed, use the ADR
event code.

Law Enforcement Warning (LEW) 
A warning of a bomb explosion, riot, or other criminal event (e.g. a
jailbreak). An authorized law enforcement agency may blockade roads,
waterways, or facilities, evacuate or deny access to affected areas, and
arrest violators or suspicious persons. If cancellation of a LEW is needed,
use the ADR event code.

Local Area Emergency (LAE)
An emergency message that defines an event that by itself does not pose a
significant threat to public safety and/or property. However, the event
could escalate, contribute to other more serious events, or disrupt critical
public safety services. Instructions, other than public protective actions,
may be provided by authorized officials. Examples include: a disruption in
water, electric or natural gas service, road closures due to excessive
snowfall, or a potential terrorist threat where the public is asked to
remain alert. If cancellation of a LAE is needed, use the ADR event code.

Radiological Hazard Warning (RHW) 
A warning of the loss, discovery, or release of a radiological hazard.
Examples include: the theft of a radioactive isotope used for medical,
seismic, or other purposes; the discovery of radioactive materials; a
transportation (aircraft, truck or rail, etc.) accident which may involve
nuclear weapons, nuclear fuel, or radioactive wastes. Authorized officials
may recommend protective actions to be taken if a radioactive hazard is
discovered. If cancellation of a RHW is needed, use the ADR event code.

Shelter in Place Warning (SPW) 
A warning of an event where the public is recommended to shelter in place
(go inside, close doors and windows, turn off air conditioning or heating
systems, apply plastic and duct tape to doors, windows and vent openings)
and turn on a radio, NOAA Weather Radio or TV for more information). An
example is the release of hazardous materials where toxic fumes or
radioactivity may affect designated areas. If cancellation of a SPW is
needed, use the ADR event code.

911 Telephone Outage Emergency (TOE)
An emergency message that defines a 911 telephone network outage or overload
by geographic area or telephone exchange.  Authorized officials may provide
alternative phone numbers in which to reach 911 or dispatch personnel.  If
cancellation of a TOE is needed, use the ADR event code.  NOTE:  The TOE
Alert Code may also be used to inform the public of a 911 center overload
due to any reason and to ask that citizens only report life-threatening
emergencies (see sample message in TAB 7).

Volcano Warning (VOW) 
A warning of current or imminent volcanic activity, including lahars.
Authorized officials may recommend or order protective actions according to
state law or local ordinance (see tables on pages 14 and 15).

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

Phil,

You are right and by definition we should not use the CEM to cancel an
alert, I feel the definition is flawed, Why does a message code(CEM) carry
higher priority than an emergency code (LAE).

I stand corrected. :) We should not use an emergency code (CEM) for
cancelation.

John F. Crosby | Warning Systems Manager | Sedgwick County Department of
Emergency Management
p: (316) 660-5967 | f: (316) 660-4966 | john.crosby at sedgwick.gov
714 N. Main | Wichita, KS 67203 | www.sedgwickcounty.org | Facebook |
Twitter

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

I don't believe use of the CEM event code is at all appropriate for this
purpose.  Here's the definition:

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Civil Emergency Message (CEM)

An emergency message regarding an in-progress or imminent significant
threat(s) to public safety and/or property. The CEM is a higher priority
message than the Local Area Emergency (LAE), but the hazard is less specific
then the Civil Danger Warning (CDW). For example, the CEM could be used to
describe a change in the Homeland Security alert System level in response to
a terrorist threat. If cancellation of a CEM is needed, use the ADR event
code.

= = = =

I believe that using an emergency code meant to inform the public of an
"in-progress or imminent significant threat" -- when there IS no threat --
is a really bad idea and is bound to backfire.

Phil Johnson, Member
Washington State SECC

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

Dave,

In my opinion depending on the number of public resources actively searching
I would lean towards using Civil Emergency Message (CEM) to make sure the
word got out over public media. That is if the alert had not already
expired.

Otherwise I would use the Administrative Message (ADM) so that all of the
media got the notice at the same time and let them go on air with their own
breaking news if they so desire.

John F. Crosby | Warning Systems Manager | Sedgwick County Department of
Emergency Management
p: (316) 660-5967 | f: (316) 660-4966 | john.crosby at sedgwick.gov
714 N. Main | Wichita, KS 67203 | www.sedgwickcounty.org | Facebook |
Twitter

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