[EAS] Does anyone expect the unexpected?

[Clay Freinwald]

Sean 'nailed it' when he wrote - 

But back to the start of this thread, how to keep the rare, unexpected
events codes configured in as many media outlets as possible, and available
for use by emergency managers.

CDW, EVI, SPW seem like the bare minimum state/local civil events which
should be very strongly encouraged for every media outlet.

One problem with EVI probably isn't disasterous.  But, if there are multiple
problems with EVI in a short time period, it will no longer be configured or
used.

My quick overview of things from the PNW - 

We need to perhaps remind ourselves that EAS has been a federal/national
level/presidential/last-ditch system administered by the FCC.   The Feds
provided little guidance beyond making sure that their needs were met.
Basically telling states and local area that they could use this stuff as
long as they were not.    They created the SECC's  (to be led by those that
they had authority over) and gave them the assignment of creating monitoring
assignments and testing routines...All in the hope that these groups would
indeed perform on a 100% volunteer basis with little or no leadership from
WDC.

During this time it was up to the state and local EAS committees to figure
out how to put EAS to work in their areas.   Some did, and some did not.
What we ended up with resembled a checkerboard of functional dysfunctional
EAS beyond the FCC's requirements. 

The PPW tried to fill some of the gaps, but ultimately did not continue due
to lack of funding.

Over the last few years there has been more attention paid to the
non-federal aspects of EAS.   The addition of the CAP based FEMA/IPWAS
system is an example where the Feds actually came up with a method for
others to use their system.   In the latest NPRM the FCC (finally) started
dealing with some of the issues that many of us have known about for years.
Structure of SECC's, involvement by State and Local Governments.

What we still lack is the leadership from above.    The Commission is
considering dusting off the old NAC.    This has the potential to become a
mechanism that would permit many of these issues to be addressed..     We
can achieve a great deal all over the country by sharing best-practices with
each other and encouraging those that need assistance.     

Beyond this, in my opinion, we need leadership.    Not more rules and
regulations, but true leadership that can take what many have built and
apply it nationwide and inspire everyone to work to make our EAS the best it
can possibly be.    Perhaps in this process everyone can come together to
pick up where PPW left off.    We need to have EAS/ Broadcasting,
WEA/Wireless, Government at all levels singing the same song.     I feel it
can be done...but will require the efforts of many.    

One huge part will be education, lots of it, at all levels.

My $.02

Clay Freinwald