|
On Wednesday, local broadcasters in collaboration with VITEMA, conducted the first-ever demonstration of the Territory’s Emergency Alert System using a Tsunami Live Code. The purpose of the demonstration included determining the readiness and effectiveness of the current system and making any necessary improvements to the EAS. Overall, the demonstration was not only a success, but provided VITEMA and local broadcasters with a better picture of the current EAS, identified mitigation strategies, and established a baseline for future demonstrations.
“We faced a number of challenges but it is important to remember that the EAS demonstration was not a pass or fail test but an assessment of the system so that we can make improvements,” said Noel Smith, Assistant Director of
VITEMA.
The demonstration was conducted as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual national Tsunami Exercise throughout the Caribbean, which was designed to evaluate local response plans, increase preparedness, and improve coordination throughout the region.
The exercise, titled CARIBE WAVE 11/LANTEX 11, simulated a widespread tsunami warning and watch situation throughout the Caribbean which required implementation of local tsunami response plans.
According to Smith, some of the observations noted in the EAS demonstration involved challenges with localized signal reception and audio quality of the message. While broadcasters on St. Croix received a clear signal and were able to broadcast the tsunami warning test message once it was received from NOAA, weak signals from the origination site and other technical challenges were further observed.
“Many of the challenges we observed in this EAS demonstration, are not uncommon in other territories and States,” Smith said. “Once we have a chance to address these observations with the broadcast community, we are optimistic that we can improve the system. What we found to be most important is that the EAS system does work and can be improved upon.”
VITEMA officials thanked the broadcast community for participating and FEMA IPAWS for their overall support in this invaluable demonstration of the EAS. Based on initial data collected by FEMA IPAWS, approximately 12 EAS Participants were able to receive an alert.
As part of the preparations for the EAS demonstration, VITEMA and the Office of the Governor, launched a public education campaign based on best practices found in previous State and national level emergency alert tests. Timely information was placed on the VITEMA and Governor’s Office website, as well as VITEMA social media tools. VITEMA also provided notice to V.I. government employees, marina operators, and first responders. Additionally, VITEMA organized media interviews with Director Elton Lewis and Assistant Director Noel Smith and coordinated with the Governor’s Office to broadcast recurring public service announcements over several radio stations.
This EAS demonstration is part of an ongoing effort and VITEMA’s commitment to ensuring the Territory is prepared for this type of event. VITEMA will work with FEMA IPAWS and other federal agencies to continually improve the EAS and other alert and warning capabilities.
“No one system is 100 percent and multiple redundancies are needed to effectively alert Virgin Islanders,” Smith said. “VITEMA is committed to diversifying our preparedness efforts with the continual improvements to the EAS, VI Alert, and the upcoming installation of our tsunami siren warning system.”
VITEMA also reminds the community that this week is Tsunami Awareness Week in the Virgin Islands and urges individuals, families and businesses to visit
www.noaa.gov for more information about tsunamis, and
www.ready.govfor tsunami preparedness.
|
