Emergency Alert System (EAS)
The FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau have announced the filing date for the ETRS Form One is due by February 28th, 2023. This is required to be filed annually but due to delays in testing the National EAS System via a National Periodic Test (NPR) in 2022, the Commission moved the 2022 filing to the new date. The delay was due to continuing Covid-19 issues.
The Commission’s rules require EAS Participants to renew their identifying information “on a yearly basis” by filing an updated Form One in ETRS.
To the extent that this requirement necessitates the filing of Form One within the calendar year 2022, the Bureau finds good cause to waive the ru
It is important that EAS Participants confirm that the information they enter is accurate and that they correct any past filing errors. Extending the filing deadline for a brief period will afford EAS Participants additional time to gather the necessary information and will avoid a rush to file before — or a burden to file during — the winter holidays. Second, The Bureau is aware that FEMA does not plan to conduct a nationwide EAS test in the remainder of 2022, nor has FEMA announced a test date for 2023. Thus, extending the Form One deadline provides time for EAS Participants to collect accurate identifying information before the announcement or conduct of the next nationwide EAS test. Finally, the extension will enable the Bureau to implement certain technical improvements to ETRS before opening it for filing. The extension will also enable the Bureau to implement certain technical improvements to ETRS before opening it for filing. The Bureau plans to open ETRS for Form One filings on January 3, 2023 and will provide details by future Public Notice.
As a reminder, the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) is an online filing system by which EAS Participants submit information regarding their performance on nationwide tests of the EAS that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Commission conduct regularly to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure.
New Hurricane Evacuation Zones Unveiled Ahead of Hurricane Season
Take time now to Know Your Zone
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Derrec Becker or Tiffanie Barrett
Phone: 803-737-8500 | Social: @SCEMD
Columbia, S.C. – As hurricane season approaches, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division announces new hurricane evacuation zones aimed at helping community preparedness and safety during hurricanes.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers, the National Weather Service along with all members of the State Emergency Response Team, the updated evacuation zones have been designed to better reflect the evolving landscape of potential hazards and population distribution across the region. These zones take into account factors such as storm surge risk, flood susceptibility, and evacuation routes to ensure more accurate and effective evacuation orders.
The new hurricane evacuation zones include:
Enhanced Accuracy: The new zones provide a more precise understanding of the areas most vulnerable to hurricane impacts, allowing for more targeted evacuation orders and resource allocation.
Expanded Coverage: The updated evacuation zones account for the growth and development of communities since the last revision. This expansion ensures that all residents in high-risk areas are included and aware of evacuation protocols.
Clear Communication: Residents can quickly determine what zone they are in using the Know Your Zone tool at Hurricane.SC, and in the SC Emergency Manager mobile app. The printed version of the annual South Carolina Hurricane Guide will become available throughout the month of May this year.
Community Engagement: Community outreach efforts will be intensified to educate residents about the importance of preparedness and evacuation planning. Educational materials will be made available to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions ahead of time.
The unveiling of the new hurricane evacuation zones represents a proactive measure by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to prioritize public safety and mitigate the potential impact of severe weather events. By staying informed, vigilant, and prepared, residents can play a pivotal role in safeguarding themselves and their communities during times of crisis.
Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30.
Visit scemd.org for more information on the new hurricane evacuation zones and preparedness resources.
Join SCBA to receive unmatched member benefits.