(Seguin) — If you’re in a dangerous and volatile relationship at home, you may have a phone or other device that you keep secret from your partner. This device may be your lifeline to the outside world, and you’ve done a good job keeping it hidden. But there may be some additional steps that you need to take this week to protect yourself and that hidden device.
On Wednesday, federal government will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This test impacts everything from radios to televisions to cellphones to some smartwatches. It’s not a big deal for most of us, but you’re trying to keep a device hidden, you may need to take some extra precautions, because that device will likely produce an audible alert during the test on Wednesday afternoon.
Delilah Reyes, executive director of the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter, says those who rely on the hidden devices, need to make sure the device is not powered up.
“In the harsh reality of domestic violence, abusers often exert extreme control and isolation over survivors. They monitor their every move and seek to cut off all communication with anyone outside of their influence. Survivors may resort to using hidden devices as a lifeline, allowing them to maintain contact with loved ones, connect with agencies like ours, and even contact 911. These devices are their silent protectors, providing a means of safety,” said Reyes.
Reyes says the test will be sent at exactly 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday, which means those worried about the device being discovered, need to make sure it can’t be heard.
“To protect these hidden devices from discovery, we strongly urge survivors to power off all their devices during this time. Your safety is paramount. Please, pass this warning on to anyone you know who may be in an unsafe situation. Together, we can help keep them safe,” said Reyes.
Reyes says if you or someone you know is in need of services or just someone to talk to for safety planning, please reach out to GVFVS at 830-372-2780. She says they are available 24/7, and they are their to support people in need. Reyes says GVFVS wants to remind victims that they are not alone, and that help is always available to them.
The test will not only be sent to cellphones, radios and televisions — some smartwatches may also receive a test alert. Reyes says if you’re worried about your safety if a hidden device is found, it’s best to just leave it powered off on that day. For everyone else, the national test is largely viewed as a important tool for responses during major emergency events.
The message from Reyes not only comes at the time for the National EAS Test, but October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This week, the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter is also hosting its Purple Tie Gala. The event, which celebrates its 40 years of work in this area, also serves as the kickoff for some major plans for the non-profit GVFVS. The Purple Tie Gala will be held on Thursday night at the Soel Venue in downtown Seguin. Tickets are $75 each, and can be purchased online by visiting the shelter’s Facebook page.
We’ll have more on the Purple Tie Gala, and why you don’t want to miss this event during Wednesday’s news report on radio station KWED, and online at seguintoday.com.