1/1/2007

Only those entities specifically authorized by the applicable LAECC and/or the Oregon SECC shall input emergency messages into the EAS system.

A WORD OF CAUTION! The Emergency Management/Services community has acquired a valuable new tool in gaining direct access to all area broadcasters and cable operators via the EAS. However, if not used prudently, you put yourself in danger of losing this tool. Broadcasters and cable operators are expecting the EAS to be used only for very serious emergencies. Keep in mind two things. First, some broadcasters and cable operators have their EAS Decoders set on Automatic Mode. There is no one there to screen your message and decide if it should be aired. They are depending on you to only send an EAS Alert only for a very serious emergency. The first time you trigger the system for a frivolous event, you will lose the confidence of your area broadcasters and cable operators. The second thing to remember is that broadcasters and cable operators participate in the local-level EAS on a voluntary basis. No one can force them to carry your EAS Alerts. Maintain a good relationship with your local broadcasters and cable operators, and they will come through for you in a crisis.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issue EAS weather messages via the NOAA Weather Wire Teletype, NOAA Weather Radio (NWR), and the Emergency Management Weather Information Network (EMWIN) using the NOAA-SAME/EAS Codes. NWS personnel will follow NWS procedures relating to the transmission of SAME/EAS codes, the NWR 1050 Hz warning alarm, and reading of the weather and flood bulletin scripts.

National Weather Radio is an “all hazards” radio network. NWS offices may broadcast EAS alerts other than weather or flood emergencies may be broadcast by NWS offices. In the event NWS personnel originate non-weather or flood EAS alerts, procedures found in this Oregon State EAS Plan and its associated local area EAS plans regarding those alerts will be followed.

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is designed so that agencies with an emergency message need transmit that message only once. In order to generate an EAS message, an EAS encoder is required. The encoder is connected to a communications circuit by which local broadcasters and subject cable operators will receive the message simultaneously, enabling them to deliver it to the general public.

Nuclear plants and certain industrial plants are the only non-governmental entities that have been given the authority to issue an EAS alert. The caution and guidelines presented in this Oregon State EAS Plan for Emergency Management/Services entities also apply to participating nuclear and industrial plants.

Specific information for participating nuclear and industrial plants is included in this State Plan, and in the local operational area plan for the area in which the nuclear and industrial plants are located.