SAMESpecific Area Message EncodingSpecific Area Message Encoding (SAME) is simply a method of identifying the local area to which an alert message applies. It utilizes a digital data stream that contains the alert message with information about the type of event expected, its timing, duration, and location. Identification codes for the specific location and type of event are introduced into the broadcast by an encoder at the transmitter site and are decoded by SAME-capable models of Weatheradio receivers. Within the broadcast, this data stream is audible as a brief tone or static-like burst. In accordance with Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS), the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) has assigned a unique 6-digit CLC (Canadian Location Code) to identify each weather forecast and warning region in the country. The first digit is always 0, the second representing the province or territory; and the last four, the individual warning region. These numeric CLC codes are a key component of SAME technology, providing the location information for all alerts. The alphanumeric codes which identify the nature of the threat are referred to as SAME message event codes and these are standard across Canada and the U.S. The implementation of SAME technology offers many advantages to Weatheradio listeners. Scientific improvements have made it possible for the MSC to pinpoint more precisely the area at risk when issuing weather warnings. However, the broadcast pattern from each transmitter is still a 60 km radius, and this may encompass 10 or even more of the small weather warning regions. Until now, listeners received alerts for all warnings broadcast from their transmitter, even if the warnings didn't apply to their area. A SAME-capable Weatheradio can be programmed with the CLC location code for the immediate area to screen out messages that don't apply. Receivers may also be programmed not to activate when specific types of messages are sent, such as flash freeze warnings. Certain event codes such as tornado warnings cannot be disabled. These new receivers also permit notification of weather watches and advisories in addition to weather warnings. Older Weatheradios trigger aural and/or visual alerts only for those severe weather warnings that are preceded by a 1050 Hz audio tone sent by the MSC. SAME-capable receivers, on the other hand, will recognize the SAME event code, triggering colour-coded status lights that will indicate when a weather advisory or weather watch is issued, in addition to the full alert which will be activated for toned warnings. This will assist emergency responders in monitoring the severity of weather events as they escalate. And finally, this is a critical first step in developing emergency message capability for other kinds of environmental hazards as well. All government departments, whether federal, provincial, regional or municipal, have been invited to adopt the new CLC codes and the existing event codes as well to deliver non-weather alerts through the Weatheradio network, making it a single-source all-hazards notification system. All Weatheradios with the SAME decode feature can be preset to activate only for the local geographic area. To program one of these models, select the appropriate codes from the Find A CLC Code page and then follow the manufacturer's directions. There is an option that permits receiving of warnings for more than one location in the broadcast area and, on some models, an additional option to disable the alerting feature for certain types of warning messages. Older Weatheradios (pre-2002) do not have the SAME decode feature. These units will continue to receive the full range of weather watches, advisories and warnings as in the past. However, they will not be able to take advantage of the enhanced options offered by a Weatheradio with SAME decoding capability. For a list of CLC location code(s) identifying Canadian weather forecast and warning areas, visit the Find A CLC Code page. Event codes are listed further down on this page. For assistance in determining which codes apply, call 416-739-4369. Public Alert messagesEnvironment Canada is working with Industry Canada and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) to create a single comprehensive warning service for weather and other emergency information such as evacuation messages and Amber alerts. Building on the existing Weatheradio service which uses dedicated frequencies to deliver weather information 24 hours a day, this initiative will enable the broadcast of other types of emergency messages as well. The first step in developing this service is the introduction of Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) functionality into Environment Canada's existing broadcast network. Two sets of codes will then be embedded in broadcast alerts, one to identify the nature of the event, the other to define the affected area. The new generation of programmable Weatheradio receivers are sophisticated enough to recognize the embedded codes for specific types of events and for specific local areas while screening out messages that don't apply. Upgrading of the entire network is expected to be completed by the end of 2005, but selected transmitters will begin broadcasting coded weather bulletins this spring. SAME Event Codes
AVA - Avalanche Watch Administrative Bulletins
ADR - Administrative Message 
Created :
2003-01-24
Modified :
2005-05-16
Reviewed :
2003-02-11
Url of this page : http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca
/msb/weatheradio/same_e.cfm
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