As word spreads about the big national test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) next week, we learn that the test has been shortened. Originally planned to last over three-and-a-half minutes, it's now scheduled to last only thirty-seconds. Statements are expected to be released by federal officials saying they want to reduce disruption to the American public.
Shortening the test will impact the nature of the test. It was intended to validate ability of the "national code", the one to be issued when the President wants to use the EAS system (which no President has ever done). It takes longer than thirty-seconds to make the "national code" work with the equipment installed at the various points along the test system. So, with the test shortened, there's no way to really confirm that the code is working...but, officials will still be able to see how effectively the message spreads.
The test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9th at 2pm (Eastern time). Even as a shorter test, radio and TV programming throughout the nation will be interrupted at the same time, which has never happened in the over fifty years EAS and its predecessor programs have been in place.
As the test approaches, organizations are getting more aggressive about spreading the word to the public in order to contain public over-reaction to the test. Comcast/Xfinity has sent an email about the test to its subscribers and has updated its web site to help the public know what to expect. Broadcasters have been preparing, and in some cases, airing public safety announcements already about the test. And, public safety organizations have been using their channels to get word out to the public. There's even been some right-wing chatter questioning why the government should have such a capability, which helps spread the word.
Many had been publicizing the length of the test, so will need to correct their messages. Here's a thirty-second public safety announcement prepared by Alabama Emergency Management Agency, as an example. It specifically mentions that the test would be over three-and-a-half minutes long.
The test has been in the planning stage for some time, all along with public disclosure of intentions of the test lasting more than three-minutes in order to give EAS equipment time to react to the "national code". No word on what specifically caused federal officials to shorten the test less than a week before it is to occur. Some will speculate that the abbreviated test is in response to concerns that EAS is not ready yet to accommodate the messaging standard Common Alerting Protocol (CAP).
The National Cable and Telecommunications Association had complained that, without CAP, many cable systems would not be able to air a text crawl on the screen that would state that the test was, indeed, a test. Audio would be heard, but text may not be seen. The cable association said without text messages, those who are deaf and hard-of-hearing might panic.
Equipment is being upgraded around the country to make EAS work with CAP, but not soon enough for the upcoming test.
We've been encouraging public safety officials to spread the word about the test. The fact that the test will be shorter will perhaps help mitigate public concern, but still advanced word needs to get out. Even at thirty-seconds, people may still over-react when, wherever they tune during this thirty-second period, their radio and TV shows will likely be interrupted by the test.
All the best,
Rick
www.galainsolutions.com
