EAS |
December 16, 2007
2008 NH EAS Required
Monthly Test Schedule
new
FCC EAS web page | AMBER - what
it's all about | Event codes
On
November 3, 2005 the FCC issued EAS rule revisions.
The First Report and Order expands the Commission’s
current EAS rules to include providers of digital
broadcast and cable TV, digital audio broadcasting,
satellite radio, and direct broadcast satellite services.
With the exception of Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS)
service, all affected entities must comply with these
new requirements by December 31, 2006. DBS services
must comply no later than May 31, 2007.
At the same time, the FCC delayed announcing a new EAS
architecture, though their statement made it clear they
want to expand to other digital and wireless media.
They seek further comment on state and local participation
and how to make the system more inclusive for people
whose first language isn't English, and for people with
hearing and vision disabilities. Click
here for the FCC's announcement.
New Hampshire broadcasters and cable operators
are working with the Bureau of Emergency Management
(part of the Bureau of Emergency Communications within
the NH Department of Safety). We continue working with
State Police as an originating EAS agency.
It
is important for stations to monitor their correct EAS
monitoring assignments. If you have concerns, please
send e-mail to one of us (links below).
CABLE
TELEVISION FRANCHISES
If
you have not contacted us for your EAS monitoring assignments,
you are not in compliance with FCC Part 11 EAS rules.
NOAA
WEATHER RADIO
The
NH State Plan relies on NOAA Weather Radio as one of
three originating EAS message sources (the others being
State Police and the Bureau of Emergency Management).
The following NOAA transmitters are in operation and
stations should try to monitor the nearest one directly.
- Concord
(WXJ40, 162.400, 330 watts)
- Saddleback
Mountain, Deerfield (KZZ40, 162.450, 300 watts)
- Mt.
Washington (KZZ41, 162.50, 300 watts)
- Pack
Monadnock (WNG575, 162.525, 300 watts)
- Holderness (WNG545,
162.55, 300 watts)
- Hanover
(WNG546, 162.525, 300 watts)
- Clarksville
(WNG544, 162.400, 300 watts)
To
view coverage maps of each of the NOAA transmitters, click
here. For a chart showing other NOAA frequencies
in Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts, click
here. Since weather warnings comprise about 95%
of EAS traffic, radio, TV and cable stations that monitor
these frequencies can elevate themselves higher up the
EAS daisy chain by monitoring a primary source directly
instead of relying on another AM/FM/TV station to relay
the information.
It
is in every station's best interest to remove as many
layers of relaying as possible.
The
National Weather Service has responded to complaints
about the inaudibility of Perfect Paul, the synthesized
voice behind most NOAA announcements. The next generation
of automated forecasters are operational. You can hear
samples of Craig and Donna at the NOAA
web site .
UPDATE
A new microwave link atop Mt. Kearsarge is operational. It provides far greater reliability for almost twenty stations in the Lakes Region and Capital areas. The frequency is 450.3875 MHz. |
On March 31, 2007, Cal Cole retired from
Comcast. He did a great job as Vice Chairman of the
State Emergency Communications Committee for several
years. His replacement is also from Comcast, so cable
franchisees should get in touch with Alan Marchioni
if you have questions.
As always, feel free to get in touch with
your EAS concerns.
contact: Ed
Brouder, Chairman | Alan
Marchioni, Vice Chairman
|
