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Answers
  • Why are Emergency Alert System messages so difficult to understand?
    Hawaii_3_luau_whales_ioa_014_small

    Right you are, Russ...it IS 1960s radio technology.

    And many of the dispatchers who are transmitting this information,
    1) Don't know how to use it
    2) Don't have systems that have been "zeroed out" to match levels with the automated system
    3) Aren't listening to the product
    4) Aren't concerned about the message...they just have to log that they "Sent it".

    Sad, I know... but that's what you get with non-technical people programming a system that's already in place...to service the new age.

    PS: The EAS system was never intended to handle police dispatch voice nor "Amber Alerts". That's an add-on that politicians thought would be a good crowd pleaser.

  • County council districts, how do I find mine?
    Wa_usa_small
Questions
Recent Comments
  • Comment on Russ Campbell, NWEBS's answer…
    Avatar_default

    We are all supposed to pay use tax on goods purchased out of state, but no one does it unless they are a business or it was a big ticket item like a car.

    The WA State process of collecting use tax is a printed form. Surely if they wanted people to pay they would developed an improved way to track and submit payment online by individual users (for businesses they do have something more).

    I looked into it a couple months ago, and I may still go back through my Internet purchase receipts and submit use tax.

  • Comment on O my captain's answer…
    Wa_usa_small

    Huh?

  • Comment on O my captain's answer…
    Bierce1_small

    Hah, software licenses?

  • Comment on O my captain's answer…
    Hawaii_3_luau_whales_ioa_014_small

    Too late.
    That type of Text messaging service is ALREADY here. Unfortunately, although the sign up process is free, each text message costs through your cell phone service.

    Frankly, I think those AMBER alerts are just about useless...except to stir up emotion that "we're doing something" about the problem. Most of them are internal estranged family situations, or parental custody disputes, and most of them are resolved by the police spotting the car...NOT the general public. But we all feel better that we are broadcasting this dirty laundry across thousands of outlets "to save just one young life". BS!

  • Comment on O my captain's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Now that makes complete sense. I am not outraged. Just recognizing that we always try to glom on new functions to old systems before reinventing them.

    With the ubiquitous nature of cell phones I suspect that we will someday have a system that sends (no cost) text messages to everyone within a specific geographical area to warn of weather, AMBER, and other emergencies. It would certainly reach as many or more folks than those listening to broadcast/cable radio and TV at any specific moment.

  • Comment on soundslikepuget's answer…
    Ava_small

    Thanks for the prompt response! I was expecting something several days later and past when I needed it but figured I'd throw it out there. And for once in my life this loaded quickly on my phone instead of forever ( which is great because I really didn't want to go back to the coffee shop)

  • Comment on Luckier's answer…
    Wa_usa_small

    Agreed.