Merica - can this really be true??

[Rum]

I read that on Nov 9th the following is going to take place. Big Brother in the land of the free????

http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/services/eas/

Basically it looks like all your media are going to eb shut down for a test. Surely not!?

-pasted-

Emergency Alert System

Releases
EAS Handbooks
EAS Archives

The EAS is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters, cable television systems, wireless cable systems, satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) providers, and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers to provide the communications capability to the President to address the American public during a national emergency. The system also may be used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information, such as AMBER alerts and weather information targeted to specific areas.

The first Nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will be carried out on November 9, 2011. For more information about the test or access to the participant reporting system, please click here.

The FCC, in conjunction with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service (NWS), implements the EAS at the federal level. The President has sole responsibility for determining when the EAS will be activated at the national level, and has delegated this authority to the director of FEMA. FEMA is responsible for implementation of the national-level activation of the EAS, tests, and exercises. The NWS develops emergency weather information to alert the public about imminent dangerous weather conditions.

The FCC's role includes prescribing rules that establish technical standards for the EAS, procedures for EAS participants to follow in the event The EAS is activated, and EAS testing protocols. Additionally, the FCC ensures that the EAS state and local plans developed by industry conform to FCC EAS rules and regulations.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Nothing new, we've had them before. Just a bunch of signals that have to be responded to by the providers.

[Jason]

Sounds like Conelrad to me.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Sounds like Conelrad to me.

Yep. During the "This is a test, this is ONLY a test" segments they don't actually do anything. That tone is the alert tone, to be followed by announcement, most of the "Kiss your ass good-bye" variety.

[Warren Dew]

I read that on Nov 9th the following is going to take place. Big Brother in the land of the free????

The USAPatriot act was only the beginning.

[Tero]

This is only a test. If this had been an actual emergency, you would be dead by now.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

This is only a test. If this had been an actual emergency, you would be dead by now.