Digital EAS pilot tests successful

Citation

(2005), "Digital EAS pilot tests successful", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 14 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2005.07314dab.002

Digital EAS pilot tests successful

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the federal government’s program manager for the national Emergency Alert System; the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate; and the Association of Public Television Stations have joined other federal departments and agencies and several private communication companies and broadcasters for a series of tests using digital technology to improve America’s alert and warning system.

The tests are part of a pilot project designed to demonstrate how DHS can improve public alert and warning during times of national crisis through local public television’s digital television broadcasts. Launched in October 2004 as part of DHS’ Integrated Public Alert and Warning (IPAWS) initiative, the Digital Emergency Alert System National Capital Region Pilot has successfully demonstrated how DHS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can disseminate alert and warning messages through public-private partnerships. Utilizing the digital capabilities of the nation’s public television stations and the voluntary participation of cell phone service providers, public and commercial radio and television broadcasters, satellite radio, cable and internet providers, and equipment manufacturers, the tests represent the beginning of an IPAWS program designed to provide critical life-saving information to the nation in a timely and effective manner.

Read the press release at www.apts.org/news/EAS-PILOT.cfm

(Natural Hazards Observer, May 2005)