Emergency Alerts

Code Updates:  The Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts all hazards as well as the severe weather alerts. EAS messages are sent on NOAA Weather Radio with an Emergency Alert System (EAS) code of civil danger warning (CDW), civil emergency message (CEM), or administrative message (ADR). The Department of Homeland Security will make the decision as to which code will be used. This is effective immediately.

Additional Codes:

• CAE – Child Abduction Emergency: State police-activated AMBER alerts
• CEM – Civil Emergency Messages: Used as a general warning message for those that do not fit in any of the above categories, or at the request of the governor
• EQW – Earthquake Warning: Relays earthquake information
• EVI – Evacuation Immediate: Used for community evacuations
• FRW – Fire Warning: Used primarily for wildfire information
• HMW – Hazardous Material Warning: Hazmat spills or toxic releases
• LAE – Local Area Emergency: Can be used for local emergencies (riots, etc.)
• LEW – Law Enforcement Warning: (I don’t have any guidelines on this one yet)
• NUW – Nuclear Power Plant Warning: Meltdowns or other nuclear plant emergencies
• RHW – Radiological Hazard Warning: Release of radioactive material (accident, bomb, etc.)
• SPW – Shelter In Place Warning: Warning residents not to leave their home / shelter
• TOE – 911 Telephone Outage Emergency: Major 911 outage (primary and backup)

Other Resources:

• Emergency Email and Wireless Network – Get notified of an emergency by email, cell, or pager
• Nixle – Secure alerts from local police