By Larry Wilkins, CPBE, chair, SBE EAS Advisory Group
In January 2018 the FCC amended its regulations governing the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to add a new event code, BLU, to allow alert originators to issue an alert whenever a law enforcement officer is injured or killed, missing in connection with his or her official duties, or there is an imminent and credible threat to cause death or serious injury to law enforcement officers.
Delivery of Blue Alerts over EAS will be implemented January 18, 2019.
Sage Endec users: Update firmware will be available next week.
DasDec users: The BLU event code is in the v4.0 software update.
Trilithic/Viavi: includes BLU event code in its v18.10 software update.
Gorman-Redlich: has a update, contact their office for details
As a reminder the BLU event code is in the “voluntary” list, that is, it is not one of the FCC required relay alerts (EAN, NPT, RMT). Stations can elect to relay these alerts or not, with guidance from their state and local EAS plan.
Broadcasters and Cable Operators should watch for information updates from your SECC (State Emergency Communication Committee).
Blue Alerts over WEA takes effect July 18, 2019.
