Are broadcasters and other EAS Participants ready for the test? What if their equipment does not function properly?
While EAS tests may be disruptive, they are important to ensure that the EAS is functional and that EAS Participants are prepared to issue alerts, and it is our intent to minimize disruption and confusion to the extent possible. The November 9 date is near the end of hurricane season and before the severe winter weather season begins in earnest. The 2 p.m. EST broadcast time will minimize disruption during rush hours, while ensuring that the test occurs during working hours across the United States.

FEMA and the FCC will work with EAS Participants to prepare for the national test and provide technical assistance and best practices with respect to equipment configuration. We expect that all EAS Participants will participate in the national test and that they will have equipment in place to conduct the national EAS test that they already test regularly pursuant to the FCC’s rules governing required weekly and monthly EAS tests. We would therefore expect such equipment to be in good working order.

Show All Answers

1. How does the EAS work?
2. When is the EAS used? When would a national EAS alert be sent?
3. Why do we need a nationwide test of the EAS?
4. How will the national EAS test be conducted?
5. What will people hear and see during the test?
6. How long will the test last?
7. What is the source of FEMA’s and the FCC’s authority for conducting the national EAS test?
8. Are broadcasters and other EAS Participants ready for the test? What if their equipment does not function properly?
9. Where does media communications-based alerting fit within the development of next generation alerting systems like PLAN and the availability of social networking sites as tools for emergency alerting?