[EAS] Silos continue - or not

[Sean Donelan]

On Thu, 19 Dec 2019, Dale Lamm wrote:
> Can anybody closer to the situation verify what EAS code was used for 
> this message? I'd like to make certain the code is in the proper filter 
> category at our facility.

SQW - Snow Squall Warning are not conveyed by EAS. Although SQW may be 
heard by EAS decoders tuned to NWS weather radio transmitters.

Although they are interoperable, FCC EAS, NWS WRSAME and Environment 
Canada do not have identical event code lists.

FCC Emergency Alert System
47 CFR 11.31(e)

NWS Weather Radio Specific Area Message Encoding
https://www.weather.gov/nwr/eventcodes

Environment Canada Weather Radio SAME
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/weatheradio/specific-area-message-encoding/event-code.html

The Consumer Electronics Association, also has a standard for consumer 
weather radios, created a long consolidated list of event codes.

tl;dr:

EAS participants should only relay FCC defined event codes.  EAS boxes 
could receive and log additional event codes from NWS or other government 
sources, but should not relay undefined event codes.

Broadcasters with meteorologists likely use additional sources of weather 
data, e.g. NOAA weatherwire.  Or check the weather.gov web site when your 
cell phone goes off.