How does the EAS work?
An EAS alert is based on an audio protocol defined in the FCC’s rules. In the EAS, an alert originator at the local, state, or national level inputs an EAS alert into the system using specific encoding equipment. Specially designated stations then broadcast this alert to the public in their listening areas.

Other EAS Participants (television and other radio broadcasters, cable and wire line video service providers, radio and television satellite service providers, and others) monitor the specially-designated stations for EAS alerts. When these other EAS Participants receive the EAS alert, they, in turn, broadcast it to the public in their listening areas. This group of EAS Participants may be monitored by other EAS Participants too far away to receive the EAS message from the first group of transmitting broadcasters. This next group of EAS Participants, in turn, broadcasts the alert to the public in the vicinity of their stations, as well as to any other stations that may be monitoring them.

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?