Section 604.02

I. Scope:

This standard was established to inform the department in regards to authorized users activating and operating the Emergency Public Warning System (EPWS).

II. General:

The Alberta Emergency Public Warning System was created following the 1987 Edmonton Tornado as a joint public alerting initiative with CKUA funded by the Alberta Government. The EPWS gives warning to Albertans over the radio and the television to take action and protect themselves from disasters. This system is activated by authorized users living throughout Alberta who using a telephone, can deliver vital information regarding a threat to the safety of Albertans.

III. Goals of the EPWS:

A. Protection of Life

B. Protect Personal Safety

C. Provide Critical Public Information

IV. When Should EPWS Be Activated:

A. Severe weather.

B. Flood

C. Wildfire

D. Hazardous Materials Release

E. Terrorist Threat

F. Water Contamination

G. Other Major Threats to Life, Property and Safety.

V. Use of EPWS:

A. Persons who have been trained and have been given access to the Emergency Public Warning System are called Authorized Users. Local government officials and key emergency management personnel within communities throughout Alberta are nominated

(Flood Forecasting) also nominate Authorized Users who broadcast warnings through the system.

C. Although Authorized Users are the only people permitted to activate the EPWS, it is accepted in some cases that the Authorized User may not be the actual witness to the event. In such a case, the Authorized User should do all that is reasonable to verify the accuracy of the information prior to its activation.