The Importance of Emergency Alert Schedule and Examples

Recently, more countries have been using an early warning system to announce public threats and disasters to the communities. Using this system is a bit challenging at first because they have to set an emergency alert schedule. It is such an important education to understand how it works.

What Is Emergency Alert Schedule?

This term refers to a planned time when the device will transmit messages to the communities as if there is a public threat around them. This is only a practice, so the problem is nonexistent. People will get an announcement about the schedule before to avoid panic.

This practice is crucial to test the devices and the system. Usually, there is an annual practice held by the agencies that are related to disasters and safety. Some countries might to more than once, especially when they barely use it to make sure every device works properly. This test is regular and commonly done.

The Importance of Scheduled Emergency Alert

System Maintenance

Maintaining the EWS is crucial, especially the countries with many disaster threats. It can help those vulnerable areas and communities stay safe during an emergency. This is the main purpose of the emergency alert schedule: to know whether the system works properly or not.

A failure in the system can be found during these tests. Some possible issues are network, speakers, and sensors, which can be a great factor in the failure. If the system fails during the real critical event, some lives are in danger. This is also part of early improvements.

Public Education

With this schedule, it is an effort to train people about a warning system. Sometimes, many people forget how to respond when a warning is issued and received by them. It is a great reminder for the people that this practice is important, and they can train themselves in evacuation.

The sound of the alarm also has a role in this. The notification will capture people’s attention, so the test could remind people about it. For example, Japan has a test almost every month. The announcement earlier is a sign for people to report if there are any issues regarding the alarm later.

Preparing Responders

The responders should also take action as per the practice after the emergency alert schedule. They are the disaster agencies, medical personnel, rescue teams, fire departments, and police officers. They should act quickly in a critical situation. Therefore, this is a chance to practice.

The outcome from this practice is getting everyone ready when the real disasters or threats come. Since it is always unpredictable, people should know what to do to create efficient action. This practice is not only for certain communities. People with higher vulnerability also should understand.

Avoid Confusion

Commonly, people will be confused and panic when a sudden alarm rings. So, the schedule alert can train them to be more aware of what is going to happen in the future. With an announcement before the practice, people know it is only a test to ensure the system works properly.

Meeting The Standards

Some countries may use a system that requires tests to ensure they follow the law. It is part of safety agreements, so it has some standards and legality. This practice is common in different countries because the framework was set before. The example is the UN Sendai Framework.

The Example of Emergency Alert Schedule

Indonesia Tsunami Warning by BMKG

The test from BMKG will not be for all communities at one time. People who get the warning message are the vulnerable ones, especially those who live at the shoreline. It is an exercise for people to understand the meaning of the alarm. Some tsunami-prone area is Bali, Padang, Aceh, and Banten.

FEMA and FCC in The US

Every month, the US has tests in different states. Radio and TV broadcasters are also required to follow this test. For the nationwide range, the test is held once a year. The exact time to test the warning can be different, depending on the region and alarm type.

Practicing an emergency alert schedule helps more people understand the importance of EWS. They can save themselves after a high-level warning issued. However, the government also needs to use the right device as a broadcaster. Check out a high-quality SMS broadcaster here.