Emergency Alert System

Z88.3 is the Local Primary One (LP-1) entry point for the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for the eight county Central Florida region (Florida Operational Area 7).  EAS is designed to alert the public of severe weather, technological or terrorism events that are forecasted or occurring.

In the event of an emergency or disaster — such as hazardous material spills, terrorist event, child abduction, tornadoes, etc. — local, state and national emergency managers communicate directly to Z88.3 via a secure pathway.  We in turn, code and broadcast the warning to all participating radio, television and cable systems in the region thereby relaying the warning message to the public.

Z88.3 has taken on this responsibility to help keep our Central Florida families safe!

EAS Plans for Broadcasters and Emergency Managers

The links below are the local, State and Federal EAS plans and monthly RMT test schedule. All municipalities and county emergency managers should print these plans for reference.

Available Resources and FCC Required Downloads

• Local EAS Operational Area 7 Plan (Approved on 12/08/2008)
• Operational Area 7 Contact & Station list
• State of Florida Emergency Alert System State Plan
• Federal Communications Commission EAS Required Handbooks
  (ALL NEW ISSUE as of 12/04/2007)
• Federal Communications Commission EAS Rules

For participating broadcasters and cable systems, copies of the Local EAS Operational Area 7 Plan and the latest FCC Handbook must be located at normal duty positions or EAS equipment locations when an operator is required to be on duty and be immediately available to staff responsible for authenticating messages and initiating actions. (FCC rule CFR 47 §11.15)

Z88.3 (WPOZ/WMYZ/WHYZ and associated translators) will initiate all EAS activations and RMT’s per the Local EAS Operational Area 7 Plan.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jim Hoge, Chairman, EAS Operational Area 7, or call 407-869-8000 (push the # key after hours to be transfered in an emergency.)

Area 7 Required Monthly Test (RMT) Schedule for 2009

Month	Day	Date	Time
November	Wednesday **	25	1:50 P.M.
December	Monday ***	28	4:45 A.M.

** Due to the Thanksgiving Day weekend, the RMT was moved to Wednesday, November 25th.
*** Due to the Christmas weekend, the RMT is moved to Monday morning, December 28th.

Proposed Area 7 Required Monthly Test (RMT) Schedule for 2010

If you have any comments or concerns, contact Jim Hoge, Chairman. We will vote on the schedule at a future SBE meeting.

Month	Day	Date	Time
January	Wednesday	27	1:50 P.M.
February	Friday *	26	4:45 A.M.
March	Friday *	26	1:50 P.M.
April	Tuesday	27	4:45 A.M.
May	Thursday	27	1:50 P.M.
June	Monday *	28	4:45 A.M.
July	Tuesday	27	1:50 P.M.
August	Friday	27	4:45 A.M.
September	Monday	27	1:50 P.M.
October	Wednesday	27	4:45 A.M.
November	Monday **	29	1:50 P.M.
December	Monday	27	4:45 A.M.

* RMT will be run on these days to avoid weekend television (sports) conflicts and/or radio voice-tracking issues.
** Due to the Thanksgiving Holidays, the RMT is moved to Monday afternoon, November 29th.