Social Links Search User Login Menu
Tools
Close
Close
Integrated Public Alert And Warning System (IPAWS) National Test Scheduled For September 20, 2018
Caravan News 5280

Integrated Public Alert And Warning System (IPAWS) National Test Scheduled For September 20, 2018

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has scheduled a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) on September 20, 2018. The WEA portion of the test will commence at 11:18 a.m. and the EAS portion will follow at 11:20 a.m. (Pacific Time). The test will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether technological improvements are needed. More information regarding the test may be found on FEMAs website at https://www.fema.gov/Emergency-Alert-Test.

In San Joaquin County the IPAWS system is also a method available for use by the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services (OES) for alerting and warning of imminent threats in our county and is activated by OES Staff when necessary.

Shellie Lima, Office of Emergency Services Director Emergency Operations stresses the importance of advance preparation.

“When these messages scroll across the television screen or pop up on our cell phones, it’s easy to understand that someone could have more questions than answers. We suggest that citizens bookmark the OES webpage and official social media sites in advance, as a means to quickly obtain more information or clarification to alert and warning messages. Additionally, in the event social media is not available, then local radio stations will be asked to share pertinent details of the message, such as evacuation orders or shelter-in-place messages. Be sure to note those local radio stations as well. It’s important to get your information from an official source.”

If the IPAWS system were to be activated by the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services, then additional specific information will be posted as soon as available on their official county website, www.sjgov.org/OES and on various social media web sites, such as Twitter: @XSJ_OA; Facebook: @SJCOES; and Next Door. In addition radio stations: 1530 AM, 530 AM, 1030 AM and 1300 AM, will broadcast initial warnings and updates for your neighborhood.

If there is hazardous weather anywhere in the country, the test will be postponed until Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at the same scheduled times.

Rate article

4.0
Rate this article:
4.0

Share

Print

Hiring? Save 50% on your next employee. Call SCAPWORKS at 209.547.2770 for more information

Back To Top