HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAG1993-0577 - Other - Upcoming Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test - 10/28/2011 co m ca st® Comcast Cable
15815 25th Ave West
Lynnwood,WA 98087
October 28,2011
Brenda Jacober
City Clerk
City of Kent
220 Fourth Ave S
Kent,WA 98032
Dear Ms.Jacober:
On November 9,2011,at approximately 11:00 a.m. (PINT),FEMA,in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC)will conduct the country's first nationwide Emergency Alert System(EAS)Test. The test will last approximately 3 minutes
across the country. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public. This
national-level EAS is a national public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the
American public during extreme emergencies.
During the test,all EAS participants,including broadcast radio and television,cable, satellite radio and television and wireline
video services will participate. During the test a live audio message will be transmitted indicating that this is a test. However,the
video text message may only indicate that"Civil Authorities have issued an Emergency Activation Notification."
This is the first time the system has been tested by FEMA and the FCC so Comcast is doing its best to make sure that the
customers are informed prior to the test and that our Customer Care Professionals are able to assist customers in the event they
experience an issue restoring their service.
While Comcast does not anticipate an interruption, in some rare cases to fully restore programming,customers may need to:
• Use the cable remote control to channel up and then channel down.
• Or simply power down the set top box to fully restore programming.
If a customer experiences the Emergency Alert System message for more than five minutes,they should do the following:
• Power-cycle the cable box by unplugging the power cord from the outlet.
• Wait thirty seconds and then plug it back in.
The guide data and Video OnDemand content will take a period of time to fully restore. It is suggested that VOD not be accessed
for 20 minutes as this might result in other errors with the box. Comcast is messaging this to all customers On-Demand,
instructions in the IVR,Comcast.com homepage,Customer Central,Email,Facebook and Twitter.
Should you have any questions or concerns,please do not hesitate to contact me at(253)288-7496.
Snincc/'erely,
.0
Terry Davis
Director,Franchising and Government Affairs
cc: Janet L. Turpen,Comcast
Ken Rhoades"Comcast
Dea Drake,City of Kent