Originally Posted By: Tjin
Not sure how the system works in hawaii, but these days a manual button is rarely used. Those are handy for a general emergency shut down. For these alert systems I would expect a computer program, with buttons to click for a range of predetermined messages. The where doing tests, so somebody forgot to put it in test/practise mode or the system is setup incorrectly (test mode made to activate everything, in a silent/invisible mode).


I agree that these days, that a physical button or switch is seldom used, but IMHO this should be reviewed for something as important as the issuing of a nuclear attack warning.
An actual switch behind a "break glass in case of emergency" panel is quick and simple to operate but almost impossible to operate by mistake.
It may also be operated by anyone who is authorised to be in the control room. The person at a computer may suffer sudden illness or panic and forget the correct procedure to follow.
If it is a simple procedure with only one or two steps, it could be activated by mistake as has just happened.
A more complex procedure has a real risk of being forgotten or misapplied in the stress of a very serious situation.