National Emergency Alert System Fails Its First Test
National Emergency Alert System Fails Its First Test
Posted 11/09/2011 at 3:22pm
| by Ryan Whitwam
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The very first test of the National Emergency Alert System today, but it appears that the new high-tech system that was due to take over all the airwaves failed fairly spectacularly. At 2PM eastern time, the system was supposed to break into radio and all TV channels to ensure all the parts were working as expected. Instead, many regions didn’t get any alerts at all.
FEMA has said that it is still processing the results of the test and will have more information in a few weeks. Though, FEMA officials have conceded behind closed doors that there was a serious glitch resulting in a partial failure of the emergency alert system. Some early indications are that the satellite and cable operators had not properly prepared equipment.
This was just a test, and is presumably intended to uncover problems like this. Although this was the first test of the national system, and FEMA is likely going to have some explaining to do as they seek to fix the problem. maybe while they’re at it, adding a social media component to the National Emergency Alert System would make sense too. Did you see the test in your area?
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JadeH
November 11, 2011 at 2:07am
To promote national security, the Federal Emergency Management Administration and the FCC co-manage the Emergency Alert System in the United States. This nationwide test of the Alert System is the first step toward a more modern emergency system in the United States. The FCC is also working on developing both the Commercial Mobile Alert System and the Personalized Local Alert Network, both of which are systems that would use cellular and wireless networks to deliver alerts to specific geographical areas via cell phones and electronic communication devices. All cell phone carriers are required to update their hardware and software to accept these alerts by mid-2012. Article resource: National Emergency Alert System test planned for Nov. 9
OvenMaster
November 10, 2011 at 12:55am
In my area (WMass), the radio stations played a tone for 30 seconds, and then what sounded like four people talking all at once. All the over-the-air television stations played local programming and commercials.
The rest of the world would come to an end, but my part of the U.S. would still be blissfully watching ads for the latest Toyota Sell-a-bration.
Ghost XFX
November 09, 2011 at 10:04pm
Another example of over reaching by our government.
If there's a nationwide emergency, let the local and state governments take care of it accordingly. No need for the Feds to take over the entire air space to tell us what we could have found out via radio and online.
This is also why we need States Rights.
Nimrod
November 09, 2011 at 10:46pm
Why not? They did such a good job handling the events on 9/11 that they should be put in control of everything else as well. Also, most of the country didnt even know 9/11 happened until several months after it all went down. Thats why we NEED this system! Dont you get it?!??
Good thing its coming to your smart phone and other devices soon as well. The government NEED to be able to take control of the internet, TV, radio and every thing else when ever they want. That way, we absolutely KNOW there is no potential for abuse. Smart isnt it?
Its just to bad they decided NOT to include that 30 min speach from Obama that was originally planned to go with it. Its ok tho, we know future editions will include the govrenment propaganda, their own documents have said as much!
NotYetRated
November 10, 2011 at 6:41am
lol you consipracy theorists always make me laugh. Thank you, this is just what I needed to wake me up this morning! :)
What exactly is so wrong with a national alert system? If something goes down that is of national concern somewhere in our very large country, I think it is imperative we are informed at the earliest possible second possible. Seconds DO and CAN count in emergency situations, no time for local media to get their shit together and report it. Why Daisy chain information along from reporter to reporter to reporter, instead of hearing something directly from the source?
Nimrod
November 10, 2011 at 2:36pm
Yet again shit head you fail to give any examples. Your literally just making shit up that you think sounds good and hoping no one calls you on it.
The Government is NOT THE SOURCE. Micro blogging and live web casts have proven this. Unless maybe you think its better to side with governments as in the case with Fukushima where the government was routinely miss leading the world about the radiation levels and the meltdown at the core? In case you had forgotten, top level officals have been forced to resign in the wake of all the corruption surrounding their lies. Or maybe the 9/11 responders who were told the air at ground zero was safe to breath need this system so the government can continue to keep them safe? Not that very many of them are left any more. . .
Your government just made up their own law giving them the power to lie about the existence of documents to congress and the people if asked about them. Who did they tell when they knew that Maj. Hassan had been communicating with anwar al-awlaki before he went and shot people to death? Now your telling me that Im supposed to trust these same people with my life in even MORE ways?
Now they are trying to control the internet in the same with with their kill switch and interrupt your web browser. Well maybe i would rather see reports about something from the people on the ground who were involved than big brothers black box. Now i dont have choice because they will cut me off? How stupid are you really?
I can get word of something faster over twitter and facebook than anyone in washinton can prepare an alert. In fact, if something unexpected did break out, your loving big brother would likely find out about it over face book them selvs. So WTF exactly are you driving at? And please explain why the gov need a KILL SWITCH to turn my internet and phone off in the event of one of these so called emergencies.
tkid124
November 10, 2011 at 7:58am
I do agree, most 'emergency' situations that effect the entire nation do come from the Federal Government.
Outside of war, we really have not had nation wide emergencies, we have had acts of nature and man made destruction of such a degree that it put us as a nation into shock. The fact remains the US government is not the source of either fixing or helping in these situations, nor is it their job to inform us of them. Should they release information, yes. Namely that which relates to their performance or lack there of in responding to the emergencies.
A state based system would be more efficient because most emergencies do happen locally.
Deviate
November 10, 2011 at 8:00am
Because that's just what they want you to think it's for. But I'm just a conspiracy theorist, so what the hell do I know?
I'm sorry, but news travels pretty fast on its own. The second Michael Jackson was dead in California, the entire world received the news with little delay. As for 9/11, if there was anyone in North America that didn't hear about it within minutes after it's occurrence, it's because they live under a fucking rock.
Say "No" to the kool aid, kids.
Eoraptor
November 09, 2011 at 9:41pm
Okay, let's try this again WITHOUT the agrandizing fear-mongering content, shall we?
In fact, the vast majority of television and radio systems passed on the alert just fine. it was not TEH FAIL ZOMG HOW COULD THEY FUCK THIS UP the author if this article seems to want everyone to beleive.
yes, I do agree that social media outlets should also have some such functionality to pass along the same information, considering how many people don't have radio or TV at certain hours such as at the office or on the road with satelite radio and 3g/4 internet, but that is a massive technical undertaking, and considering some parts of our government still use windows NT (for rice sakes!) it's not something I would want them meddling in.
GavinFarrington...
November 09, 2011 at 7:50pm
"Television?" What's that? Wait wait... is it that thing that people of yesteryear used to sit around and stare at for hours?
Nimrod
November 09, 2011 at 10:15pm
Well get ready because its coming to your smart phone and every thing else as well in the near future.
DoctorX
November 09, 2011 at 5:56pm
didnt they have the civil defense alerts? wouldnt that be the same thing as EAS?
Nimrod
November 09, 2011 at 10:22pm
and Amber alerts, and weather alerts, and escaped criminal alerts, reverse 911 alerts, ect ect.
Yes the control grid is not complete until they control every thing.
Nimrod
November 09, 2011 at 5:34pm
It seems they didn’t read 1984 enough times to just get it quite right. Oh well, they have gotten the rest of the Orwellian systems in place pretty good at this point.
There’s NO REAON for this system in the first place. Anyone who thinks it can avert a disaster or save lives is just fooling themselves. The test itself seems more like classical conditioning to get the people primed for more government intrusion and inspection into their daily lives.
Carlidan
November 09, 2011 at 7:20pm
Yeah tell those to people who live in areas that are tornodo,hurricane, and other natural diasters, this system doesn't save lives. Again saying something your against but don't know the facts, just doesn't make your claim credible.
P.S. I'm suprised you're not bashing FEMA. Isn't that an agency your against too? Or the show or radio show didn't bash that yet?
Nimrod
November 09, 2011 at 10:22pm
Typical response I would expect from some one incapable of critical thinking. If you think through this REAL HARD you might realize the stupidity of what you just said.
As a side FEMA absolutely needs to be abolished as well. Along with the BAFTE and a few others. But then again I guess you think FEMA did too good of a job during Katrina and the ATF has done such a good job shipping guns to the cartels in Mexico that we need to keep them?
Maybe the people in the south didnt get the memo that a hurricane was coming so this new allert system could have saved them!
Carlidan
November 10, 2011 at 2:33am
Let's test your "critical thinking". Okay what other agency would you like to gut out. I'm just guessing some of them.
1.EPA
2. FDA
3. CIA
4. Department of Commerece
5. Depeartment of Education
6. FBI
7. CDC
8. DOJ
9. Department of Energy
10.FCC
Did I miss any? If so, add them.
Also I want some of solutions to the agencies that you abolished. And how you expect it to be paid for. No rhetoics, just your soultions.
"Typical response I would expect from some one incapable of critical thinking. If you think through this REAL HARD you might realize the stupidity of what you just said."
I would love the analysis as to why you think the EAS is a bad idea. Please, I would like you "critical thinking" in this subject.
Nimrod
November 10, 2011 at 2:18pm
yes i would get rid of all those departments. Most of them are run by the COEs of corporations such as Monsanto and they are used to bypass the congress in creating law. My top priority would be in getting rid of the Federal Reserve and the IRS as i dont think its fair to be paying an income tax for the interest on what you think is our own money.
My explanation for the the EAS is a fraud can be found at the top of the page, other people make good points up there as well. Dont be such a fool. I know this is the internet, but it really reflect on what kind of a dick head you are in real life.
Carlidan
November 10, 2011 at 2:48pm
Dickhead? Asking a valid question is being a dick. Then guess i'm a dick then. Anyway, never asked my question though. Okay takeaway IRS, how are you going to pay services you want? Please enlighten me.
Nimrod
November 10, 2011 at 4:24pm
" Okay takeaway IRS, how are you going to pay services you want? Please enlighten me. "
First of all there arnt really many services i want from the gov aside from upholding the Constitution. Second, how the hell do you think we paid for things BEFORE the IRS? Did you know that the IRS didnt exist until about 100 years ago? Did you know that taxes wernt invented in the last 100 years? WTF do you think? I really dont understand how people like you imagine things got done before the new paradigm took over. You must think that we just went from the stone age into the jet age all about the last century. So fucking stupid
timmyw
November 10, 2011 at 4:54pm
"Did you know that taxes wernt invented in the last 100 years?"
That's a laugh and a half. No taxes, my big fat ass!
Methinks you've overlooked Article I, Section 8, Clause 1: "The Congress shall have power To lay and collect Taxes[.]"
If you're referring to the Sixteenth Amendment, all that does is let Congress assess taxes directly rather than proportionally by each state's population.
Carlidan
November 10, 2011 at 5:54pm
Really sad part is that Nimrod thinks we are picking on him. Nimrod your still not asking my questions. I really want to know your thinking. Hell, I'll help you out. Lest say abolish the Federal governemnt all together. No Legislative branch, judicial branch. Just keep the excutive branch, unless you want to take that out. Since you think Federal goverment can't do anythin right anyways. Well keep a national military, or unless you want each state to have it's own. Okay now states each state has its own consititution. I would like to know what your consititution will look like. Please give your specifics to your consitution?
Nimrod
November 11, 2011 at 1:59am
First of all, why the fuck would I ask your questions? Second, your a fucking idiot. I dont want abolish the entire federal goverment, just most of it. Unless of course you can show me where in the U.S. Constitution the powers to create all those organizations you mentioned lays. Because the Constitution i was taught includes the Post Office and not much else.
Carlidan
November 11, 2011 at 2:01pm
Sigh Nimrod can't back up his beliefs so he has to resort to name calling. So Sad. Just show's how you raised.
Carlidan
November 11, 2011 at 1:59pm
If the only thing you know about the Consitution is about the Post Office. I suggest you read up on the Consitution then. Because there are more to the Consitution than the Post Office. The is really more important stuff in there. You want someone to uphold the Consitution yet you really don't know much about it. Kind of weird if think about it.
Carlidan
November 11, 2011 at 1:58pm
If the only thing you know about the Consitution is about the Post Office. I suggest you read up on the Consitution then. Because there are more to the Consitution than the Post Office. The is really more important stuff in there. You want someone to uphold the Consitution yet you really don't know much about it. Kind of weird if think about it.
NotYetRated
November 10, 2011 at 6:46am
Nimrod appears to be living up to his name :)
I am also curious of the "critical thinking" on the subject....
What exactly is wrong with the ability to quickly and effectively communicate disaster information?
Carlidan
November 10, 2011 at 2:51pm
Asking valid questions makes me a dickhead. :(
I just want to a get picture of how his society will look like.
Pinkyblister
November 09, 2011 at 5:28pm
Our good old government cannot do very many things well. Just another failure. Seems the only thing Washington can do well is tax and spend!
Don't re-elect anybody-throw them all out regularly!
Just my 2 cents...
brentrad
November 09, 2011 at 7:39pm
Or...this could be the very first test of a new technology, where things often fail, you fix them, then test again.
avenger48
November 09, 2011 at 4:24pm
I was listening to the radio at the time. It went silent. So I suppose it cut it, but it didn't actually alert at all.
Holly Golightly
November 09, 2011 at 4:02pm
No, I did not see the test. Although I was asleep at that time. Even if I wasn't asleep, I do not watch TV or listen to radio. I do everything online now. TV, Music, Mail, and everything else. You will have to ask another New Yorker to see if the test went through, because I have absolutely no clue.
MrBlueCheese
November 09, 2011 at 8:11pm
Your from NY? Did not know that.
I'm from Seattle.
Anyway, the only thing i had on was the tele, and the EAS came exactly at 11:00am PST (2:00pm EST). It lasted around 30 seconds. I had a feeling my mom would call me because last night i read a report that the national EAS could disrupt Comcast customers' DVR boxes (which my mom has).
However, no problems to report in my area. Not sure about radio or any other form of notification.
Holly Golightly
November 10, 2011 at 9:44am
Yep, N.Y.C. to be specific. As for cable, maybe Optimum by Cablevision got the test? I am not sure. Man is Cable TV expensive or what?
brandon.tagarook
November 09, 2011 at 3:49pm
I work at a call center for a cable company and about 15 minutes after the test all sorts of customers were calling in from Georgia stating that all their channels (doesn't matter if they had a cable box or not) were stuck on CSPAN. It went away after 15 minutes but we got hit with a massive queue for a good bit.
Markitzero
November 09, 2011 at 3:49pm
yes for the old Analog Repeaters of LA stations KTLA, CBS, NBC, KTTV. KTLA was done quicker to get back to Jerry Springer. Then were was 2 Local Analog stations that didn't at all. I live in Phelan, California.
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