Me R189, User Manual

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2.2. Operation
The EAS system digitally encodes data into audible audio in order to distribute
messages. This information can be sent out through a broadcast station and cable
system. The EAS digital signal uses the same encoding employed by the National
Weather Service (NWS) for weather alerts broadcast over NOAA Weather Radio
(NWR). Broadcasters and cable operators can decode NWR alerts and then
retransmit NWS weather warning messages almost immediately to their audiences.
With the proper equipment and setup, EAS alerts can be handled automatically,
making EAS information useful for unattended stations. Other specially equipped
consumer products, built into some televisions, radios, pagers and other devices, can
decode user selectable EAS messages.
The One-Net is designed to facilitate the management side of encoding and decoding
EAS alerts within cable and broadcast facilities. It is especially easy to use since it is
IP addressable and accessible over a LAN.
2.3. Management
The FCC designed the EAS system, working in cooperation with the broadcast, cable,
emergency management, alerting equipment industry, the National Weather Service
(NWS) and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
The FCC provides information to broadcasters, cable system operators, and other
participants in the EAS regarding the requirements of this emergency system.
Additionally, the FCC ensures that EAS state and local plans developed by industry
conform to the FCC EAS rules and regulations and enhance the national level EAS
structure.
NWS provides emergency weather information used to alert the public of dangerous
conditions. Over seventy percent of all EAS and EBS activations were a result of
natural disasters and were weather related. Linking NOAA Weather Radio digital
signaling with the EAS digital signaling will help NWS save lives by reaching more
people with timely, site-specific weather warnings.
FEMA provides direction for state and local emergency planning officials to plan and
implement their roles in the EAS.