[EAS] Of Monkeys & Messages

[Adrienne Abbott]

Phil asks: What's wrong with individual states undertaking guidance and
training for EAS and WEA?

Individual states ARE getting training in EAS and WEA. The problem is that
the training comes from CAP vendors. Most CAP vendors don't have a clue
about EAS, and only limited knowledge of WEA. The vendors have little
knowledge of emergency management, law enforcement and public safety and are
certainly not experts in Public Warning. They are experts in their programs.
Nonetheless, they are the ones giving EAS and WEA training. And neither the
vendors nor the state/local/tribal officials have any obligation to tell the
EAS Chair, the SECC or the broadcasters that they are training various
agencies in the use of their programs for EAS and WEA. Unless you have a
good working relationship with your state or local emergency management
agency, your first clue that an agency has access to CAP is an EAS
activation, most likely COVID-related. That's not a good way to run a public
warning program.  
Adrienne

Adrienne Abbott, W6BCY
Nevada EAS Chair