In a coordinated effort with FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission, all consumer cell phones, radios and televisions in the United States will experience a full test of the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Alert networks Wednesday afternoon.
The purpose of the test, according to FEMA, is to ensure the systems remain an effective means of warning the public about emergencies — particularly those on a national scale.
Caldwell County Emergency Management Director Joey McCaslin says the nationwide EAS test will be conducted after 1:00.
click to download audioHe notes “they will not be blowing the weather sirens” because they have nothing to do with this nationwide test that will only include wireless equipment.
McCaslin also explains there could be a delay when the EAS and WEA tests are conducted.
click to download audioHe indicates this test will not affect emergency service radios.
click to download audioThe WEA message will come via FEMA’s IPAWS, which is a centralized internet-based system administered by a federal relief organization. McCaslin says the county is trying to get IPAWS set up, which enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communication networks.
click to download audioAdditionally, McCaslin says it could be used if the United States is attacked or there is a major earthquake along the New Madrid fault that would be devastating to this part of the country.
click to download audioHe explains that this is one reason Caldwell County Emergency Management has started sending a WinLink email for the last couple of years.
click to download audioAccording to McCaslin, a plan developed for the New Madrid Fault was used in response to the 2009 ice storm in western Kentucky.
click to download audioMcCaslin says these plans are written and rehearsed but they are constantly updated due to changes.
In case the October 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is October 11.
The purpose of the test, according to FEMA, is to ensure the systems remain an effective means of warning the public about emergencies — particularly those on a national scale.
Caldwell County Emergency Management Director Joey McCaslin says the nationwide EAS test will be conducted after 1:00.
click to download audioHe notes “they will not be blowing the weather sirens” because they have nothing to do with this nationwide test that will only include wireless equipment.
McCaslin also explains there could be a delay when the EAS and WEA tests are conducted.
click to download audioHe indicates this test will not affect emergency service radios.
click to download audioThe WEA message will come via FEMA’s IPAWS, which is a centralized internet-based system administered by a federal relief organization. McCaslin says the county is trying to get IPAWS set up, which enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communication networks.
click to download audioAdditionally, McCaslin says it could be used if the United States is attacked or there is a major earthquake along the New Madrid fault that would be devastating to this part of the country.
click to download audioHe explains that this is one reason Caldwell County Emergency Management has started sending a WinLink email for the last couple of years.
click to download audioAccording to McCaslin, a plan developed for the New Madrid Fault was used in response to the 2009 ice storm in western Kentucky.
click to download audioMcCaslin says these plans are written and rehearsed but they are constantly updated due to changes.
In case the October 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is October 11.
