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Pennsylvania EAS Test....Out of Control!

F

FreddyE1977

So this morning I was in the shower with the radio on when an EAS alert came across.

They broadcast the usual bust code, and then the tone started.
It was a LONG tone.....much longer than it usually runs.

Then it stopped. Then is started again. Ran for about 15 seconds. Then off, then on again.

At this point I was convinced that this was the BIG ONE and I needn't bother rinsing the
shampoo out of my hair.

Then the announcement came that "this is a required weekly test of the Emergency Alert System
from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency".

Seriously, guys?

I know you have to do your tests, but what's with the extended on-again-off-again tone?
That was enough to scare the living bejeezus out of people. Especially those old enough to
remember the old CONELRAD system.

The EAS system is NOT a toy! You all need to be trained in the proper procedure for a test.
Or just keep your hands off the button.

Part of me thinks we should have kept control of this with the Feds so there would be only
one point of contact for transmitting alerts.
 
It's possible that there was some kind of "error" re-transmitting the message....if it was from the PA State Agency.....the message was "forwarded" by the local broadcast station, where there MAY be an endec problem....
One of our local TV stations messed up THEIR EAS yesterday.....at 11:59 AM they put up the "TEST" slide -- but never sent the audio (FSK)!!! They did a "make-good" at 12:17 PM with no issues!!
Older model endecs (like the TFT EAS 911) allow for MANUALLY sending the header and EOM......Maybe someone got a little "heavy" on the button(s)....!
In NH there are regular training classes for EAS handling....a large number of Emergency Management Agency members are current or retired broadcasters...so everyone is (usually....) on the same page when it comes down to the "how-to"s...
 
That's what I think happened. Someone in Harrisburg who was not properly trained caused this very alarming test to go out.
This is what happens when you let too many people in too many bureaucracies have access to the system.
 
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