SARSAT BEACON ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION PREVENTION INITIATIVE Help SARSAT prevent 406 MHz ELT false alerts What is a false alert? A false alert is a non-distress activation of a 406 MHz emergency beacon (ELT, PLB, or EPIRB). It can be caused by accidental activation during testing, mishandling, improper installation, or unfamiliarity with beacon operation. 8,786 False Alerts were generated by ELTs in the US in 2017. What happens when an ELT is activated? Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel begin responding immediately to every activation of a 406 MHz SARSAT beacon. That response will only stop when it has been proven that the activation was a false alert. Every false alert has the potential to put rescuers in harm's way and waste valuable resources. What can I do to help prevent false alerts? * Always ensure you are conducting self-tests and annual tests according to the manufacturer's instructions for your ELT. Each year the majority of 406 MHz ELT false alerts occur during testing and maintenance. * Register your ELT at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov The simplest and quickest way for SAR forces to confirm a false alert and confirm that you are not in distress is to talk via phone to the person who accidentally set off the ELT. They do this using the information provided by the beacon owner in the NOAA SARSAT Beacon Registration Database system. Please register today and keep your contact information up-to-date once you register. * If you realize you have accidentally activated your beacon, call the US Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at 1-800-851-3051 or your nearest FAA Air Traffic facility with your beacon's hex ID ready to cancel the false alert. This helps protect Search and Rescue personnel who would otherwise be out looking for you during an actual emergency. www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov | www.sarsat.noaa.govhttp://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov