National EAS Test is today October 3, 1:20pm CDT

Not to be confused with the WEA at 1:18pm CDT
National EAS Test –
Just a reminder that FEMA will be conducting the first ever test of a Presidential alert today using both EAS and WEA.  This test was postponed until today due to Hurricane Florence.  The WEA message will be issued at 1:18 pm CDT and the EAS message will be issued at 1:20 pm CDT.

The WEA test will send a message to cell phones, separate from what we as broadcasters are involved in.  Unlike amber alerts or other local alerts, users cannot opt out of a Presidential level alert, so everyone with a WEA capable cell phone should get this message… “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

The EAS test should look similar to other EAS tests, but the key difference is this one is being triggered by FEMA using the IPAWS system rather than the local sources.  Here is the text of what is expected to go out on EAS.

“THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. A similar wireless emergency alert test message has been sent to all cell phones nationwide. Some cell phones will receive the message; others will not. No action is required.”

More information can be found at this link:  https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test

ETRS Form TWO is Due today after test –
On or before 10:59 p.m. CDT, October 3, 2018, today, EAS participants must file the day-of-test information sought by ETRS Form Two. On or before Nov. 5, 2018, EAS participants must file the detailed post-test data sought by ETRS Form Three.

Filers can access ETRS by visiting the ETRS page of the Commission’s website at www.fcc.gov/general/eas-test-reporting-system. Instructional videos regarding registration and completion of the ETRS Forms are available on the ETRS page.

Who has to File –
All Full power stations, Class A stations and LPTV running unique programming with EAS. Exempt from filing: Full Power satellite stations and Low power translators rebroadcasting a parent stations.

Filing Deadlines

  • Form One was to be filed on or before August 27, 2018.
  • Form Two must be filed by 11:59 PM EDT on today
  • Form Three must be filed on or before November 5, 2018.

Roger Herring and Britt Lockhart
EAS Broadcast Co-Chairmen