Comparison of Emergency Broadcast System VS Emergency Alert System

The US government has two systems that run in different eras to send emergency messages to many people. Emergency broadcast system VS emergency alert system were both established by the authorities to protect people from any kind of threats and disasters.

Both have different functions. In the past, they used an emergency broadcast system until 1997. After technology came rapidly, they changed it into an emergency alert system that works more efficiently. What are the differences between both systems? Here is a brief overview of them.

Overview of Emergency Broadcast System VS Emergency Alert System

1.   Active year

The emergency broadcast system was activated in 1963 to replace the previous system named CONELRAD. This system was active until 1997 and was replaced by the Emergency Alert System. The replacement was because technology was getting better in broadcast and communication.

2.   The purpose

The purpose of the emergency broadcast system vs emergency alert system is different. EBS was mostly for presidential alerts. After that, the warning spreads to many people as an emergency warning. It should be addressed by the president first, not the local agencies.

It is different for the emergency alert system or EAS. This is not only for presidential alerts but also a national warning system. Weather departments and public safety in the US can use this system to warn people and improve protection in certain areas all over the United States.

The local states have the authority to run this system as well because the US has a different government. Even though it is centralized, the issued warning can be different for different areas. It is helpful for people to get correct information in real-time and decrease panic.

3.   Main functions in broadcast

In the past, emergency broadcast systems only shared information or warnings through media such as AM/FM radio and television. It is because, before 1997, there was no device like a handphone. People also do not have gadgets such as computers which are considered high-tech.

Meanwhile, the emergency alert system works differently. The alert is not delivered on TV and radio only, but also on mobile phones, cable, and satellites. The latest EAS is broadcasting messages using an SMS broadcaster device so that the message can be delivered to many people in a timely manner.

4.   The speed of warning

EBS was a manual system that needed activation to send the broadcast message to the public. The broadcasters could not spread information unless they were told to do so. It had delays which was the disadvantage of the system. People might not be able to avoid the threats immediately.

Meanwhile, EAS is a digital system that relies on sensors. Once the device reads there is a trigger that may escalate the disasters or threats, the automation will work immediately and timely. It gives a higher chance for people to evacuate. The latest system is improving the accuracy of the devices.

5.   Challenges of Emergency Broadcast System

Technical failure possibility is very high, so it was the biggest challenge for EBS. The maintenance was minimal, meanwhile, people relied on them to get the information. Thus, some information is presidential level. They could not get direct information from the device.

Some people may not get the message when the threat is around them because it is broadcast on TV and radio only. People who were not near the device would have minimum awareness of the hazard. Because of this reason, people might think the warning was just a test.

6.   Challenges of Emergency Alert System

For the challenge emergency broadcast system vs emergency alert system, EAS has a minimum challenge because the automation is part of the system. The sensors work to read potential dangers and threats, then the automation activates other devices to work as they should.

However, the maintenance is costly. A country with a lack of awareness may not be able to spend much on this. Digital infrastructure must be very strong and solid to continue this purpose. Another challenge is cyber threats such as hackers that can disrupt all devices in this system.

It shows that EAS is far better in the comparison of emergency broadcast system vs emergency alert system. This is because EAS has already used an SMS broadcaster device to send warning messages to many people. They can receive the message quickly to take more action and avoid the hazard.