[EAS] CA Fires/EAS Activation

[Clay Freinwald]

Paul and others - 

> I would hope that all will be able to learn from the experiences in
California....Our SECC is likely to discuss some of this at our November
meeting.

> We need to remember that many states EAS configuration is going to be
different than yours, for example, most don't have EM Net.

> I can only speak about Washington State and provide some background on how
this State is 'wired'.   Obviously it depends on the location of an event in
any state as communications assets will vary.

STATE RELAY - 

We have two State Relay systems - 

1- Analog- SRN- (Microwave backbone to a number of mountain top VHF
Transmitters that cover the State)  This is accessible only from the State
EOC

2- Digital (Alert Sense CAP Server) that is accessible from a number of
locations, including local area EOC's etc

Note - State EMD does function as a backup for all Local Areas and counties.
They can, and do, send EAS messages on behalf of these areas state-wide.

NWS -

The Seattle WFO is fully integrated with EAS....It can, and does, forward
EAS messages coming from the SRN (and other EAS Sources)
This office feeds a number of NWR transmitters in the NW corner of the
State.   Unfortunately the other 3 WFO's are not so configured.

FEMA/IPAWS -

> There are a number of COG's all over the state - they can input that
system

CONTACTING A LOCAL BROADCASTER -

> This can be done, however, no broadcast/cable facility in this State is
designated to be an EAS Message origination point.   Message origination
only comes from a government entity. 
    Certainly - Outside of EAS- Local governments can and do work with local
broadcasters
> Here, Counties (or operational areas) are supposed to maintain what we
call a LOCAL RELAY NETWORK (LRN) that provides local EOCs with an analog
path to all electronic media in their area.  (This is where the old Sage
Boxes are still at work) 

WHO IS MONITORING WHAT - 

> The big issue is will a message going into one of these system reach the
broadcast station ?    
> Here all stations are required to monitor - 1) FEMA/IPAWS -  2) State CAP
Server/Alert Sense - 3) Outside of the coverage area of the PEP, the SRN

WHAT MESSAGES WILL BROADCASTERS ACTUALLY FORWARD - 

> Unfortunately there are a -too many- broadcasters that view EAS as an
un-necessary program interruption system and refuse to do anything the Feds
don't require and would ignore a CEM or EVI etc.
> The other factor is that many translators or satellite fed stations are
not required to be locally connected.
> Satellite or Cable TV channels are only going to forward National messages
too

WHAT CITIZENS KNOW TO DO - 

> Hopefully citizens would be monitoring sources that would provide them
with vital information applicable to their area.   In 'tornado country'
people know to have a radio or TV on or a NWR receiver nearby to provide
them with TOR'S.    Unfortunately wildfires are not likely monitors by Joe
Citizen

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS - 

Many of our areas have reverse 911 and other like systems that are outside
of EAS but do get used.

WEA  -

Probably the best way to reach people today is WEA - I will let the
after-action reports surface to see what can learn.

Hope this is found to be useful

Clay Freinwald
SECC Chair, Washington State