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2. NWEM Message Types

The Emergency Alert System refers to different types of warning messages as "events" with corresponding "event codes." The National Weather Service refers to warning messages as "products," and uses corresponding NOAA Weather Radio Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) event codes. Whichever NWEM authoring tool you decide to use, it will allow you to designate the type of event for which you need to issue a warning.

This chapter presents descriptions of the more generally used NWEM products, and considerations for the selection of the product most appropriate for the situation. Once you have completed this chapter, you should be able to:

  • select the appropriate NWEM product for specific hazards, specific instructions, or other emergency situations;
  • understand when to correct or update previously issued warnings; and
  • use Job Aid #1 to address local considerations for selecting and using NWEM products.
The contents of this chapter are recommended best practices, and if followed generally, can bring consistency to warning practice within a jurisdiction and across jurisdictions. The advantage of nationally consistent use of NWEM products can facilitate public comprehension and voluntary compliance with protective instructions, especially given today's mobile society. Consult your state and local EAS plans for further guidance.

This chapter should take approximately 25 - 35 minutes to complete. The topics presented are:

2.1 Background
2.2 NWEM Categories
2.3 Hazard Specific Warnings
2.4 Instruction Specific Warnings
2.5 Other Alerts
2.6 Updates and Corrections
2.7 Local Considerations
2.8 Chapter Summary

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