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Shelter In Place - EAS or NOAA Weather Radio Alert?

Has there been or will there be an EAS Activation for the Mecklenburg "Shelter in Place" which begins at 8am Thursday (tomorrow)? There is an EAS event code for this: SPW (Shelter In Place Warning)
 
Let me try to give this a shot, as it was explained to me: The EAS is utilized when there is a imminent threat to life and property where immediate notification can save lives. An example might be a chemical plant explosion, a tornado or flash flood. The Corona Virus mandates are considered non-emergency since they do not require immediate action to save life and property. A shelter in place order might have a day or two before it becomes effective (from the time it is announced). Mostly EAS is used for local emergencies and mostly are weather related.
 
The EAS code mentioned above has been used, on very rare occasion.

The only time I know of was in Huntsville, Ala., during the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak, when a great deal of the community was without electric service due to severe damage to the TVA's power lines in north Alabama.

I would not expect the alert would be used for any of the COVID-19 shutdowns. Although it should be considered a proper use, I doubt most of those who own weather radios, have it programmed to alarm on this code, and thus few would hear it.
 
I've heard it several times and it made me wonder if it was related. It was always a required weekly test. Twice in one day seems too much.
 
Interesting subject. The decision to enact EAS doesn't come from the station. It must come from state or local emergency officials. Then there is a procedure and protocol to follow. Quite often the emergency officials are either too wrapped up in the ongoing emergency, or aren't aware of the protocol. There are supposed to be regular meetings between emergency officials and broadcasters to go over the procedures. For example, don't call the main business line of a radio station at 2AM on a weekend.

Last week, an agreement was made between the NAB and federal emergency officials for the broadcasting of public service announcements. My take is that these national PSAs were done in place of any local EAS announcements. The EAS would be unnecessary because the instructions are all included in the PSAs.

http://www.insideradio.com/free/nab...cle_cd8436fe-6478-11ea-a4c4-873452aff11f.html
 
Somewhat related, I think the FCC is wrong to require on air weekly EAS tests. When listeners became so familiar with the EAS that they dismiss or don't give it their full attention, there is a problem. Sure, require weekly tests but not on air. Limit to monthly on air EAS tests.
 
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