The EAS System

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

The letters EAS have different meanings to different people. For the military it stands for “End of Active Service”. For us it’s the Emergency Alert System. This system is how most people now receive news about watches and warnings for severe weather. Cell phones are equipped to receive these alerts the instant they are issued. 

This was put into place by an Executive Order (13407) signed into action by President Bush in 2006. This system can also be used by state and local authorities to alert the public about AMBER alerts, SILVER alerts and other important events that require action to be taken. 

Alerts are not to be taken lightly. Severe weather can strike at any moment and leave a trail of devastation. These alerts are intended to save lives, and can when they are taken seriously. Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? Watches mean that conditions are favorable for the type of severe weather they are talking about. For example, a tornado watch is issued when conditions are conducive to tornadoes forming. A tornado warning means that a suspected tornado is on the ground. 

When severe weather is approaching it is best to keep an eye on these alerts. They will let you know when you should seek shelter, move to your indoor safe space, and when it is safe to exit your safe space. It is also best to have more than one method to receive these alerts. If you are relying on television, but the power goes out, you are now blind to what is going on unless you have an alternative method to receive weather alerts.

One of the most important things to note here is the fact that you should never rely on outdoor warning sirens. These sirens can fail or be down for service and repairs. A weather radio (with batteries) tuned into the correct station for your area is one of the best methods for receiving EAS messages. Many news stations have apps available for download that can also provide you with EAS messages. 

Should severe weather strike and your home be damaged, remember that SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always #HereToHelp at 256-236-8889.