ALABAMA EAS STATE PLAN

VIII. GUIDANCE FOR ORIGINATORS OF EAS ALERTS

A. Guidance for National Weather Service Personnel

NWS personnel issue EAS Weather Alerts via the NOAA Weather Wire Service (NWWS) and on NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) using the NOAA-SAME/EAS Codes. NWS procedures should be followed relating to the transmission of the SAME/EAS Codes, the 1050 Hz Alert Tone, and the reading of the weather bulletin script. NOAA Weather Radio has been an "all hazards" network in Alabama since the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Alabama EMA. Alerts for other than weather emergencies originate with State or Local EMAs and are broadcast by NWS personnel over NWR at the request of State EMA.

B. Guidance for Emergency Services Personnel

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is designed so that agencies with an emergency message need transmit that message only once, and it will be received by all area broadcasters and cable operators simultaneously. The most accessible method to do this is via the State/Local Emergency Management Agency. In order to generate this EAS message for transmission to broadcasters and cable operators, a device called an EAS Encoder is needed. This encoder transmits by radio to local broadcasters and cable operators automatically triggering their EAS Decoders to deliver the message. It is preferred that each County EOC have an encoder to aid in positive access to EAS. Counties without an EAS Encoder can still utilize the EAS System by routing their emergency alert requests through a local designated broadcaster via a remote pickup unit or via other arrangement.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Emergency Services agencies have acquired a valuable new tool in gaining direct access to all area broadcasters and cable operators via the EAS. However, if not used prudently, there is danger of losing this tool. Broadcasters and cable operators are expecting the EAS to be used only for life-threatening emergencies. Keep in mind two things. First, some broadcasters and cable operators have their EAS Decoders set on Automatic Mode. There is no one there to screen a message and decide if it should be aired. They are depending on you to send only an EAS Alert for a very serious emergency. The first time you trigger the system for a frivolous event, you will lose the confidence of your area broadcasters and cable operators. The second thing to remember is that broadcasters and cable operators participate in the local-level EAS on a voluntary basis. No one can force them to carry your EAS Alerts. Maintaining a good relationship with local broadcasters and cable operators is key to their support to civil authorities during a crisis.

C. Guidance for Nuclear Plant and Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program

(The following guidance is in accordance with State of Alabama mandates.)

Nuclear Power Plants:


Browns Ferry and Farley nuclear power plants emergency notification originates via telephone at the utilities site and is relayed through the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Department of Public Health (Radiation Control Agency) to the County Emergency Management Agency. The Counties that are affected coordinate the EAS messages and time they are to be released and give the official message to their designated local EAS stations for activation.

Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program:


In the event of a chemical agent accident at the Anniston Army Depot (ANAD), the ANAD Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will notify the six surrounding counties and the Alabama EMA of the incident and provide a Protection Action Recommendation (PAR) if any off-post areas are affected. The county elected officials, through their emergency management agencies (EMAs), will develop a Protective Action Decision (PAD) to protect the public. The affected County EMA notifies their populations of the PAD through the emergency warning and notification systems, which will include emergency messages passed via siren and tone alert radio warning systems and through the EAS, i.e., the EAS radio/television/cable stations. Surrounding counties not affected by the hazard will also issue instructions to their populations through their EAS radio/TV/cable stations advising them to stay clear of the evacuation routes. The State EMA may initiate EAS messages to cover both the impacted areas and surrounding counties to support individual county broadcasts. Also, the State EMA will provide an alternate/backup EAS input should a local EMA be unable to activate their local system.

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