Citizen Corps News: One Week Left before the Digital Transition is Complete... Are You Ready?

One week from today, on June 12, 2009, all full-power broadcast TV stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital.  Millions of Americans depend on TV as a source of information, to include emergency alerts and warnings.  However, following the transition, the FCC estimates up to 20 million individuals could be left without TV communications because they haven't taken the appropriate steps to transition.  We encourage everyone to ensure they are ready for the transition and to take steps to help their families and neighbors -- especially older adults and homebound individuals.

The switch to digital will reward most viewers with better sound, a better picture, more channels, and more programs.  The transition will also help save lives by clearing airwaves for better first-responder radio service and making room for the future by clearing airwaves for advanced mobile Internet services.

Visit http://www.dtv.gov to find information on how to transition to digital TV, including:

q    Details about how to get help locally, the local channels predicted to be available after the transition, contact information for local support centers, TV reception maps for your area, local DTV events, a list of local retailers who sell converter boxes

q    An interactive troubleshooting guide that helps you solve your specific problems related to the DTV Transition as well as DTV Transition Call Centers

q    Fact sheets that cover what the transition is, the supplies needed to transition, and various guides to transitioning effectively

q    DTV information in multiple languages, a Media Toolkit, and much more 

The National Office of Citizen Corps
FEMA Community Preparedness Division