Michigan Emergency Alert System (EAS)

In the event of an emergency, Michigan's Emergency Alert System is designed to relay a brief message on radio, television and cable to Michigan citizens. EAS works on a regional, statewide and national level. EAS is used most often on a regional basis for severe weather.

Michigan's EAS plan was approved by the FCC in 1999. This plan was developed after input from Michigan broadcasters, law enforcement agencies, the National Weather Service and cable television.

EAS Encoder Upgrade Info - Here is the latest info from SBE Chapter 24 on the EAS encoder upgrades.
 

An Overview of Michigan's EAS Plan - Download this document for a quick look at how EAS is structured and designed to work.

Regional Test Schedules - Monthly regional tests are coordinated and scheduled by the chairman of each EAS region. Schedules are received by the MAB office from the regional chairman. If your schedule is not posted, please contact your regional chairman.

Statewide EAS Plan - The actual statewide plan gives the comprehensive details and structure of the EAS system. The FCC mandates that a copy of this plan be kept in the control room at every broadcast facility. This document is the statewide plan and does not include any of the 12 regional plans. For privacy and security purposes, regional plans are not available on this web site. This document is the plan as it was approved in 1999.

UPDATE: An updated version is currently being reviewed by the State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC); this version is expected in late fall 2008.

FCC Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) - Through the redesigned Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), the FCC is asking communications companies such as wireless, cable and wireline firms to voluntarily provide information about disruptions during a crisis. The agency will then share the company’s specific information only with the Homeland Security Department for situational awareness purposes. Tthe individual company’s information will not be publicly released or shared. The MAB fully supports the efforts of the FCC's DIRS and recommends that every Michigan broadcaster participate. Click here to register.

About EAS in Michigan - Michigan's EAS plan is a joint effort between broadcasters, law enforcement, the National Weather Service and cable television. The plan is administered by two voluntary co-chairman from the broadcast and cable industries.

Broadcast Co-Chairman:
Larry Estlack, Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer
Michigan Association of Broadcasters

Cable Co-Chairman:
Vacant   

EAS is managed by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and its member stations as a voluntary community service to the citizens of Michigan. No financial support is provided by any government agency or commercial organization for the management of EAS.