The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has issued a public notice reminding broadcasters and others that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct a nationwide Emergency Alert System test in coordination with the commission on Nov. 17.
As we’ve reported, FEMA will transmit the EAS test nationwide at 2:20 p.m. on Nov. 17 using the Integrated Public Alert Warning System.
EAS participants are required to file EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) Form Two on or before Nov. 19 and Form Three on or before Jan. 4, 2027.
The bureau advises participants to upgrade their EAS equipment software and firmware to the latest versions and to ensure their equipment can receive and process the National Periodic Test code, the “six zeroes” national location code and operate in compliance with Federal Communications Commission rules.
It also reminded participants to review their state EAS plans for monitoring assignments and to make sure their equipment is configured properly monitor those sources.
EAS participants updating software or replacing equipment after filing an ETRS form must update their ETRS Form One filing to reflect the equipment and software version that they will use on the day of the nationwide test. Filers can update previous forms in ETRS by selecting the “My Filings” menu option and then clicking on the record for that form.
Participants should also take the steps needed to ensure that hearing impaired, deaf, visually impaired and blind viewers have full access to the EAS messages per the commission’s rules.
Audio messages should be spoken at a pace that allows a listener to understand the content.
More information on the accessibility requirements is available online.
The FCC is also making an instructional video available on how to complete the test reporting forms. It is available online.
This story initially ran in TV Tech, sister brand to Radio World.
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