This afternoon in the US, there will be a test alert of the emergency services, which will be transmitted via radio, TV and phones. It's particularly important to know this if anyone is, or knows anyone, who needs to keep a secret cellphone because of living in a dangerous situation.
This isn't melodramatic, it's a fact for some women. It means that before 2.20 pm EST, the phone needs to be switched off and left off for at least half an hour, so the loud alert (plus vibrate plus text) doesn't betray its presence. If there's widespread weather interference to the signal, it will be postponed to October 11.
While we're talking precautions, here's a handy chart of US numbers you or a friend might sometime need, to save for reference
On to cheerier, and less US-centric subjects, yesterday's Textiles and Tea featured Barbara J. Walker, (not the knitter Barbara G. Walker) a weaver and braider who does exquisite work, making her own cords, braiding them, with all kinds of ply-splitting and splicing techniques, which she demonstrated in response to questions.
You see her wearing a necklace she created. She uses silk and linen in weaving, but any fiber that gives the color she wants when she makes cord.
Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI hope there isn't a problem with the alert going off after the first try.
A recent amber alerted me about 3 times on the same day. I believe that sound will go through anything it is so loud and different than anything I've heard online or on my phone.
Walker's work is beautiful. The necklaces especially would make a nice winter project.
They're saying you'll only hear it once. Amber alerts are more local, and I wonder if different neighboring police departments can set them off, causing multiple alarms on your phone?
DeleteThe first I saw that notice on a FB post, I thought it must be a scam. I looked it up to find that no, it's real! It was in the paper today. I would never have thought about the problem that some people face when they are keeping a secret phone. There's some privilege for you- never having to consider such a thing.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful cording!
Yes, about privilege. It's about all the things we don't have to consider daily.
DeleteThat work is lovely, isn't it? Very time consuming, too.
Love seeing knots as art. I'm reminded of the wonderful rope makers that sailed the seas with real sails...and how Celtic art captured the interweavings in the borders of illustrated ancient Bibles.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great observation. Celtic knots are real, not just graphic art.
Delete"A festival of color" is exactly right!
ReplyDeleteShe doesn't hold back.
DeleteI nearly jumped out of my chair when it went off. I didn't think about the secret phone until you said this. She does beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteI was still taken by surprise, too.
DeleteI’ve never thought of secret phones. It makes sense. I hope no one gets into difficulties because of this.
ReplyDeleteIt’s sad knowing there are women, and some men, living in situations like that.
Having grown up in a very violet family I fear for the lives of these people.
On happier notes. Those necklaces are stunning.
Enjoy the fall flowers for as long as you can
The alert was unmissably loud, important for most people to know they're in the network of alerts, dangerous to people who need to protect themselves at home.
DeleteI pray no woman in a life threatening situation is “caught” with a cell phone during this testing.
ReplyDeleteThere have been quite a few warnings of the day date and time, and I was adding my little bit.
DeleteLove your thoughts on the Emergency Alert and COVID test kits. Barbara Walker's creations are fascinating. Lastly: Love your Ukraine flag. Please support continued aid to Ukraine!
ReplyDeleteWhen Russia invaded Ukraine, I found images relating to Ukraine and saved them, and I've been posting them regularly ever since. My vow was to keep doing this until Russia is defeated. Ukraine needs long-term steady support and encouragement, as do North Americans of Ukrainian descent. Got your back!
DeleteBeautiful work♡ I will check more of her work out. I just ordered some testes but haven't gotten them yet.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea on the phone bit I can think of several reasons for a secret phone.
Cathy
See her website! Think there are more women in danger than most of us know.
DeleteI never thought about those phone implications.
ReplyDeleteYou probably haven't needed to know.
DeleteHow sad that people need secret phones but it is also good that they can have them. In the olden days we didn't have these things and women (and men) had no way of communicating. You couldn't really have a secret landline, could you?
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DeleteYes, it's a sad reality of some lives.
ReplyDeleteIs that the second alert to happen recently? Or perhaps that was in the UK. It's very familiar.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember one here then.
DeleteYes, in April. This is why we have blogs - an aide memoire? Is that right?
ReplyDeleteI rarely look back in mine, time moves so swiftly it's all I can do to keep up.
DeleteInteresting to read about the emergency alert and the need for some people to be vigilant about it for their own protection. I hadn't thought of it in those terms so thank you for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a precaution we don't notice if we don't experience the need. But good to know about.
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