Latest News

Written by: Weather the Storm

1. First ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to occur in November
2. When winter weather comes early
3. How to be ready for any natural disaster while on vacation
4. PLAN to alert Smartphone users of disasters

1. First ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to occur in November.

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first ever nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test on November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.  Although EAS has been in existence for over 15 years, a nationwide test of the system has never occurred.  This test is necessary to determine the readiness and effectiveness of the current EAS.  You will see and hear this  test on satellite and digital radio and television, as well as cable television.  You will not hear the test on NOAA Weather Alert Radios.  At present, there is no mechanism to transmit this type of message to the weather radios.

During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” Although the EAS Test may resemble the periodic, monthly EAS tests that most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will be the same for all EAS participants; however, due to limitations in the EAS, the video test message scroll may not be the same or indicate that “This is a test.”

The date of November 9th was chosen since it is near the end of the hurricane season and before the severe winter weather season begins.  The 2 PM Eastern time will allow for the test to occur during normal business hours across several time zones, but also will minimize any disruptions that could occur during rush hours.

2. When winter weather comes early

Imagine to our surprise, when we heard of the nor’easter that hit the east coast during the Halloween weekend!  The WTS News Team took this photo (see below) on Sunday, October 30th around 11 AM on Long Island, New York.   Imagine flowers and snow at the same time!  This is a good time to remind us all that we need to be prepared for winter weather way before the winter season begins. 

It is a good idea to think of two months per year to do most of your emergency preparedness:  September (which is National Preparedness Month) to prepare for fall and winter storms, and March, to prepare for spring and summer storms, including tornadoes and hurricanes. But it is never too late to start now with your preparations!  Your winter survival kit should have much of the same items as your disaster survival kit, with additional items related to the winter weather- warm clothing (hats, socks, gloves or mittens)- coats, jackets and enough clothes to wear in layers. Also keep in your car non-perishable foods and water in case you are stranded. If you are home, and you have any appliances, heaters that use gas, please consider buying a carbon monoxide detector.  Also, consider opening a window to get fresh air in your home on a regular basis. 

Check out this printable winter survival checklist for your home. Here is a printable winter car checklist to prepare for this unpredictable season.

3. How to be ready for natural disasters that occur during vacation

When Hurricane Rina recently hit the Mexican and Caribbean coasts in October, several cruise ships had to change their itineraries in order to avoid the powerful storm.  This reminds us all that we need to always be prepared for changes in our travel plans when visiting any place. Take some time before you travel to research your travel destinations.  Know which type of weather conditions occur and at what times of the year. Could these weather conditions possibly affect your travel plans? Keep in mind interruptions to air travel as well as other forms of transportation.  Do you have a backup plan if you are not able to visit certain destinations?  If you have pre-paid for tours or special excursions, what will you do if you are unable to take the tour due to bad weather? 

First, stay calm.  Check for flight, train, cruise changes and alerts. Know how to handle flight, train and cruise cancellations.  If you will be staying at a hotel, let the hotel know that you may be delayed or may have to cancel due to the weather.  Do this as soon as possible, since many hotels may charge you if you do not check in at the assigned time. 

Several airlines, including American, Delta, Continental, and Southwest have mobile apps.  WTS also recommends that you register with the U.S. State Department if you are traveling abroad.  You can access their website here.  Their website has good information on travel warnings and alerts, and updated information about weather conditions.
Check out other mobile apps for Kayak, MapQuest, Hotels.com, and TripAdvisor.

4.    PLAN to alert Smartphone users of disasters

The Personal Localized Alerting Network (PLAN) is a new public safety system that will allow certain Smartphone users who have an enabled mobile device the ability to receive text messages in specific locations, alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area.  Both FEMA and the FCC are working on this new initiative which will first be tested in the New York City and Washington, DC areas before the end of this year.  Other geographical areas will be added in the future. 

PLAN is not to replace the existing Emergency Alert System, but rather complement it, adding another level of protection to residents. PLAN is an attempt to keep up with newer technologies and alert individuals more quickly than older methods such as the “this is a test of the emergency broadcasting system”  we typically see on television or hear on the radio. At first, only enabled mobile devices will be able to receive the PLAN signal.  Wireless companies will partner with FEMA and FCC to enhance public safety by offering this service to its customers.  PLAN is still in its infancy, and more information will be provided to the public between December 2011 and April 2012.  Look for participating wireless providers such as AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon to send out more information about PLAN.  The alerts are geographically-targeted, that is, if you are a New Yorker visiting Los Angeles, you would get alert information on what is happening in Los Angeles, and not New York. 

At present, consumers do not need to sign up for the alerts if their wireless provider is participating in the program.  The alerts are free. PLAN will have the following types of alerts (1) alerts issued by the President; (2) alerts involving imminent threats to safety of life; and (3) Amber alerts.  There will be an “opt out” from the alerts for subscribers (with the exception of Presidential alerts, which you will not be able to opt out).

WTS will continue to follow this new program and will keep you informed as to its progress.