The FCC is reminding U.S. radio stations and other EAS participants to make sure the upcoming national EAS test is accessible.
As we’ve reported, FEMA will transmit the nationwide test at 2:20 pm EDT on Oct. 4 using IPAWS, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
To make sure it reaches the most people, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has issued a reminder asking participants to make sure they’ve upgraded their EAS equipment software and firmware to the most recent version; ensured that their equipment can receive and process the National Periodic Test code and “six zeroes” national location code; and otherwise complied with FCC rules.
“EAS participants are also reminded to review their State EAS Plans for monitoring assignments and ensure that EAS equipment is accurately configured to monitor those sources,” it said.
Here is the text of the planned EAS message:
“This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”
Don’t forget that you have to file ETRS Form Two within 24 hours of the test and Form Three by Nov. 20. The FCC website has a resource page about test reporting and another about EAS accessibility.
FEMA also will send a Wireless Emergency Alert test to cellphones at 2:18 pm that day, using the National Alert classification of Alert Message. All subscribers with WEA-capable devices should receive the test message, which will be accompanied by an attention signal and vibration cadence. The WEA test message will be: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
