[EAS] concerning the request for new weather Event Codes

[Sean Donelan]

On Sun, 10 Jul 2016, Clay Freinwald wrote:
> We have a problem here that is calling for a solution - Thus far all I have
> been reading is everyone posting comments justifying their position and/or
> obligations...but no one is proposing a solution ...Especially one that
> would restore the connection between broadcast stations and the NWS that has
> been severed due to message flooding.

I've suggested a few times the weather service needs a new,
general purpose Weather Emergency Message or Emergency Weather
Warning as a weather counter-part to the Civil Emergency
Message (CEM).  The code wouldn't identify the specific weather event,
just that something is important enough (and rare enough) to justify 
interrupting all the broadcast and cable systems in the region with an 
emergency message.  It may be issued in conjunction or instead of a
more specific event code.

EAN is a general purpose emergency event code for the President.
CEM is a general purpose emergency event code for civil authorities.
The national weather service needs a general purpose emergency event
code.

In other words, its the "doorbell" event code for significant weather
emergencies, and after the initial alert the public should tune into their 
favorite news and weather sources for more specific information.  NWS and 
EAS participants would still need to decide how often and when the weather 
"doorbell" event code should be used.