Where does media communications-based alerting fit within the development of next generation alerting systems like PLAN and the availability of social networking sites as tools for emergency alerting?
Because we cannot anticipate what systems might be affected by an emergency, it is important to have a redundant, multi-platform alerting system. The EAS is designed to work when other methods of disseminating emergency alerts are unavailable. While there is no guarantee that any form of communications will withstand major disasters, various elements of the EAS are hardened to withstand such calamities. Moreover, the EAS uses technology that is widely accessible to the public. Almost everyone has access to a radio (for example, in a car or via a battery-powered handheld device) and/or a television receiver.

While our ultimate goal is to have an integrated public alert and warning system that will use multiple communications technologies, the EAS will serve as a primary method for transmitting national emergency alerts and warnings for the foreseeable future.

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1. How does the EAS work?
2. When is the EAS used? When would a national EAS alert be sent?
3. Why do we need a nationwide test of the EAS?
4. How will the national EAS test be conducted?
5. What will people hear and see during the test?
6. How long will the test last?
7. What is the source of FEMA’s and the FCC’s authority for conducting the national EAS test?
8. Are broadcasters and other EAS Participants ready for the test? What if their equipment does not function properly?
9. Where does media communications-based alerting fit within the development of next generation alerting systems like PLAN and the availability of social networking sites as tools for emergency alerting?