In Preparation

The next national test is currently scheduled for September 28, 2016.

While details remain sketchy, Sept. 28 has been slated for the second national test of the Emergency Alert System by FEMA. Broadcasters and other EAS participants should begin preparing because the FCC’s new electronic EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) will be in place for the first time, enabling the commission to automatically assess the success of the test and identify shortcomings.

FCC Hosting ETRS Webinar

EAS Participants must submit identifying information required by ETRS Form One for each of their facilities no later than August 26, 2016.  Stations will then have until September 26 to update or correct errors in that initial filing.

The FCC invites broadcasters to attend an online meeting.

Event: ETRS Webinar: Registration and Filing Form One
Date: Thursday, August 18, 2016
Time: 2:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time
Event number: 996 921 885
Event password: fcc123

To join:

  1. Visit FCCEvents
  2. On the right under "Join Event Now" enter your name and email address
  3. Enter the meeting password, fcc123
  4. Click on "Join Now"

In addition, or to preview the discussion, CBA members can visit the archive of the last webinar hosted by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau of the FCC. To view that archive, click here. The archive is about 60 minutes.

EAS Test Reporting System Deadline August 26, 2016

The FCC has launched a new reporting system for all EAS participants. Participants must complete Form One on or before August 26, 2016. Here's what you'll need:

  1. Register on the FCC's website to get access to Form One
    • Form One must be completed by August 26, 2016, so you need to register now
  2. Completing the Form may cause some headaches. Barry Mishkind of Broadcasters Desktop Resource has compiled a helpful guide.
  3. There will be a follow-up form(Form Two) after the test.

 

What is EAS - Federal, Alaska and Juneau edition by mikkowilson channel