STATE
OF WASHINGTON
EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
Non-Weather Related EAS Emergency Event
Code
Descriptions
Author – Ted Buehner, NWS
July 17, 2006
Introduction
This tab provides descriptive guidelines used
for 17 non-weather related EAS emergency events.
These guidelines were adapted from a National
Weather Service (NWS) working group, the Houston
Local Emergency Communications Committee and
NWS Directive 10-518 (www.nws.noaa.gov/directives).
Background
The
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on
February 22, 2002, adopted a Report and Order
(FCC-02-64) giving local and state Emergency
Alert System (EAS) committees the option
of utilizing new event codes for non-weather
related events. (The FCC Report and Order
can be downloaded from the FCC’s
Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS)
at: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/.)
Message Description Guidance
This guidance was provided by the State Emergency
Communication Committee (SECC) and Local Emergency
Communication Committees (LECC) and local authorized
EAS message originators are encouraged to follow
these guidelines to provide statewide and national
consistent use of these codes.
A warning or watch is normally issued only
once to provide initial notification (alert)
of the event. A new warning or watch should
be issued if the hazard or recommended public
protective action(s) has expanded into another
county or geographic zone, or if the valid
time has been extended. All other updates or
cancellations of the event should be sent as
a non-emergency Administrative Message (ADR)
or by other means (e.g., telephone, fax, e-mail,
or media briefings) to local news media outlets.
Non-Weather Related Emergency Messages
This section provides the recommended definitions
of non-weather related events. Most of these
event codes are self-explanatory, yet are explained
to ensure consistency of use by all EAS message
originators.
Administrative Message (ADR)
A non-emergency message that provides updated
information about an event in progress, an
event that has expired or concluded early,
pre-event preparation or mitigation activities,
post-event recovery operations, or other administrative
matters pertaining to the Emergency Alert System.
A good example for use of this event code is
cancellation of an Amber Alert.
Avalanche Watch (AVA)
A message issued by authorized officials when
conditions are forecast to become favorable
for natural or human-triggered avalanches that
could affect roadways, structures, or backcountry
activities.
Avalanche Warning (AVW)
A warning of current or imminent avalanche
activity when avalanche danger is considered
high or extreme. Authorized officials may recommend
or order protective actions according to state
law or local ordinance when natural or human-triggered
avalanches are likely to affect roadways, structures,
or backcountry activities.
Child Abduction Emergency (CAE)
An emergency message, based on statewide established
criteria, about a missing child believed to
be abducted. A local or state law enforcement
agency investigating the abduction will describe
the missing child, provide a description of
the suspect or vehicle, and ask the public
to notify the requesting agency if they have
any information on the whereabouts of the child
or suspect. For cancellation of an Amber Alert,
use the ADR event code.
Civil Danger Warning (CDW)
A warning of an event that presents a danger
to a significant civilian population. The CDW,
which usually warns of a specific hazard and
gives specific protective action, has a higher
priority than the Local Area Emergency (LAE).
Examples include contaminated water supply
and imminent or in-progress military or terrorist
attack. Public protective actions could include
evacuation, shelter in place, or other actions
(such as boiling contaminated water or seeking
medical treatment). If cancellation of a CDW
is needed, use the ADR event code.
Civil Emergency Message (CEM)
An emergency message regarding an in-progress
or imminent significant threat(s) to public
safety and/or property. The CEM is a higher
priority message than the Local Area Emergency
(LAE), but the hazard is less specific then
the Civil Danger Warning (CDW). For example,
the CEM could be used to describe a change
in the Homeland Security alert System level
in response to a terrorist threat. If cancellation
of a CEM is needed, use the ADR event code.
Earthquake Warning (EQW)
A warning of current or imminent earthquake
activity. Authorized officials may recommend
or order protective actions following an earthquake
according to state law or local ordinance.
Evacuation Immediate (EVI)
A warning where immediate evacuation is recommended
or ordered according to state law or local
ordinance. As an example, authorized officials
may recommend the evacuation of affected areas
and where to move due to an approaching tsunami.
In the event a flammable or explosive gas release,
authorized officials may recommend evacuation
of designated areas where casualties or property
damage from a vapor cloud explosion or fire
may occur.
Fire Warning (FRW)
A
warning of a spreading wildfire or structural
fire that threatens a populated area. Evacuation
of areas in the fire’s
path may be recommended by authorized officials
according to state law or local ordinance.
Hazardous Materials Warning (HMW)
A warning of the release of a non-radioactive
hazardous material (such as a flammable gas,
toxic chemical, or biological agent) that may
recommend evacuation (for an explosion, fire
or oil spill hazard) or shelter in place (for
a toxic fume hazard). If cancellation of a
HMW is needed, use the ADR event code.
Law Enforcement Warning (LEW)
A warning of a bomb explosion, riot, or other
criminal event (e.g. a jailbreak). An authorized
law enforcement agency may blockade roads,
waterways, or facilities, evacuate or deny
access to affected areas, and arrest violators
or suspicious persons. If cancellation of a
LEW is needed, use the ADR event code.
Local Area Emergency (LAE)
An emergency message that defines an event
that by itself does not pose a significant
threat to public safety and/or property. However,
the event could escalate, contribute to other
more serious events, or disrupt critical public
safety services. Instructions, other than public
protective actions, may be provided by authorized
officials. Examples include: a disruption in
water, electric or natural gas service, road
closures due to excessive snowfall, or a potential
terrorist threat where the public is asked
to remain alert. If cancellation of a LAE is
needed, use the ADR event code.
911 Telephone Outage Emergency (TOE)
An emergency message that defines a local
or state 911 telephone network outage by geographic
area or telephone exchange. Authorized officials
may provide alternative phone numbers in which
to reach 911 or dispatch personnel.
Nuclear Power Plant Warning (NUW)
A warning of an event at a nuclear power plant
classified such as a Site Area Emergency or
General Emergency as classified by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC). A Site Area Emergency
is confined to the plant site; no off-site
impact is expected. Typically, a General Emergency
is confined to an area less than a 10-mile
radius around the plant. Authorized officials
may recommend evacuation or medical treatment
of exposed persons in nearby areas. If cancellation
of a NUW is needed, use the ADR event code.
Radiological Hazard Warning (RHW)
A warning of the loss, discovery, or release
of a radiological hazard. Examples include:
the theft of a radioactive isotope used for
medical, seismic, or other purposes; the discovery
of radioactive materials; a transportation
(aircraft, truck or rail, etc.) accident which
may involve nuclear weapons, nuclear fuel,
or radioactive wastes. Authorized officials
may recommend protective actions to be taken
if a radioactive hazard is discovered. If cancellation
of a RHW is needed, use the ADR event code.
Shelter in Place Warning (SPW)
A warning of an event where the public is
recommended to shelter in place (go inside,
close doors and windows, turn off air conditioning
or heating systems, apply plastic and duct
tape to doors, windows and vent openings) and
turn on a radio, NOAA Weather Radio or TV for
more information). An example is the release
of hazardous materials where toxic fumes or
radioactivity may affect designated areas.
If cancellation of a SPW is needed, use the
ADR event code.
Volcano Warning (VOW)
A warning of current or imminent volcanic
activity, including lahars. Authorized officials
may recommend or order protective actions according
to state law or local ordinance.
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