[EAS] Does anyone expect the unexpected?

[Clay Freinwald]

Sean wrote - 

If every broadcast station was still staffed 24-hours a day, you don't need
automated warning systems when unexpected things happen.
The 24-hour staff could handle it.  Staff can just rip and read.
If you are fortunate to still have fully staffed stations 24 hours a day,
they can handle all types of news reporting including warnings.

I'm sorry, I don't agree - 

> What station (radio or TV) requires that anyone on their staff knows
anything about public warnings?

> What station asks (in writing or verbally) for public warning experience
in their hiring?

> What station makes sure to train everyone on the issuance of public
warnings (especially those that work a nights, weekends and holidays?)

>  What station would 'allow' a staff member to stop what they were doing to
issue a public warning?

Broadcasters are simply not in this line of work - and they are far better
to not try and get involved.    Public warning should be left up to those
that have been trained to deal with them.

More reasons why the Washington State EAS Plan does not have any provisions
for broadcasters to originate EAS messages.

Clay Freinwald
WaState SECC