Wednesday, 4 April 2018

[WardFive] District of Columbia Participating in Regional Test of Wireless Emergency Alerts System (4/5)

Sharing.....................................

Commissioner Ursula Higgins
Chairperson, ANC 5B
Single Member District 5B02
Telephone: 202-321-5289
Email: 5b02@anc.dc.gov
Website: www.anc5b.org
________________________________________

Will you be in the National Capital Region on Thursday, April 5, between 10-11 a.m.? If so, chances are extremely high that you will be part of the country's first regional Wireless Emergency Alert system test using geo-target capabilities. Twenty jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, will simultaneously issue a test message to the public through the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system. In addition to the District, the following jurisdictions are participating: City of Alexandria, City of Bowie, City of College Park, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, City of Gaithersburg, City of Greenbelt, City of Takoma Park, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, City of Rockville, Arlington County, Charles County, Fairfax County, Frederick County, Loudoun County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Prince William County.

Cell phones or other mobile devices in the District will receive the following message: "A test of District of Columbia Wireless Emergency Alerts System. No action required." WEA triggers a loud noise and text message on cell phones and enabled mobile devices. It's extremely possible during this exercise individuals may receive more than one WEA message.

Below is the media advisory and attached is a FAQ. To help ensure we reach as many residents as possible, we are asking ANCs to share the information on your social accounts. To measure success, we are posting a survey on social media for residents to take on Thursday after the test.

HSEMA social media handles:
Twitter: @DC_HSEMA
Facebook: @HSEMADC
Instagram: @DCHSEMA

Thank you,
Nicole Peckumn

Nicole Peckumn
Bureau Chief, Communications
District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
2720 Martin Luther King Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20032
Office: 202-481-3102
Cell: 202-497-4726
nicole.peckumn@dc.gov<mailto:nicole.peckumn@dc.gov>


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MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2018


District of Columbia to Participate in Regional Test of Wireless Emergency Alert System
Country's first live regional test using geo-target capabilities, reaching up to 5.2M

(WASHINGTON, DC) – On Thursday, April 5, at 10:00 a.m., twenty jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, will simultaneously issue a test message to the public through the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. WEA is a public safety alerting system allowing government officials to target emergency information to a specific geographic area using an individual's cell phone or other mobile device. WEA allows the messaging to be more targeted and efficient which is critical during an emergency.

Periodic testing of public alerts and warning systems helps local governments assess the system and identify any needed improvements. Public safety officials need to be sure that in times of an emergency or disaster, they have reliable methods and systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public. Conducting a regional test supports the continued use, training, and improvement of the WEA system.

Individuals in the participating jurisdictions will receive the following message: "A test of the District of Columbia Wireless Emergency Alerts System. No action required." The alert triggers a loud noise while displaying the text message on cell phones and mobile devices. Individuals do not sign up to receive a WEA alert.

WHEN:
Thursday, April 5, between 10:00-11:00 a.m.

WHO:
District of Columbia
City of Alexandria
City of Bowie
City of College Park
City of Fairfax
City of Falls Church
City of Gaithersburg
City of Greenbelt
City of Takoma Park
City of Manassas
City of Manassas Park
City of Rockville
Arlington County
Charles County
Fairfax County
Frederick County
Loudoun County
Montgomery County
Prince George's County
Prince William County

WHERE:
Each jurisdiction participating in the exercise will draw a geo-targeted map in their WEA system. Cell phones or mobile devices located outside, but near, the participating jurisdictions may receive the WEA test because this technology uses carrier towers.

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