As you may know, FEMA has scheduled a nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test for Wednesday, August 7, at 2:20 p.m. EDT. To prepare for that test, the FCC and FEMA will host a meeting for EAS stakeholders (including EAS participants, EAS equipment vendors, and public safety organizations) to discuss topics such as goals, technical… read more
The FCC has announced that it will present a free webinar on July 11 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. EDT for low power broadcasters. The webinar will include an overview of the EAS and instructions on how low powered radio and television stations can register and file in the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS). No pre-registration is… read more
With the next national EAS test announced for August 7 at 2:20 p.m. Eastern (with a backup date of August 21), the FCC has opened up the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) for stations to enter their information. All EAS participants are required to renew their identifying information annually with ETRS Form One, and required to submit… read more
FEMA has submitted a filing to the FCC indicating that the next national EAS test will be on Wednesday, August 7, at 2:20 p.m. Eastern. As in the past, the test will use the NPT (National Periodic Test) code and will be issued through the Primary Entry Point network. Note that there is a typo… read more
Following last week’s news regarding St. Clair County, EAS improvements continue in Michigan. At this past January’s State Emergency Communications Committee Meeting (SECC), a longtime problem in the state’s lower-peninsula Northwest EAS region was addressed. Over the years, some EAS participants reported difficulties in receiving the region’s LP-2 station, licensed to Indian River, Michigan. WMKC-FM’s… read more
This past January, the State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC) met and approved a proposal to move St. Clair County from the Southeastern EAS Region to the adjacent East Central Region. The reason for this change was continued complaints from broadcasters that reliable, clear reception of the Southeastern LP-1 and LP-2 stations has been difficult. As part… read more
The MAB has learned that Wisconsin Broadcasters will be conducting live tornado code EAS tests this coming Thursday. Stations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, especially those near the Wisconsin border, should be prepared for any listener inquiries. Also stations that may monitor Wisconsin-based stations for EAS purposes should take notice. Information on the tests is below:… read more
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared March 24-30 to be Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. Broadcasters and Emergency Management partners statewide are encouraging Michiganders to conduct a statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. ET this Wednesday, March 27. Broadcaster participation will take place with an EAS Required Monthly Test at 1 p.m. on March 27. As with… read more
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared the week of March 24-30 Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. Broadcasters and Emergency Management partners statewide are encouraging Michiganders to conduct a statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 27. Broadcaster participation will take place with an EAS Required Monthly Test at 1 p.m. on March 27. As… read more
RadioWorld reports that EAS equipment maker Sage Alerting Systems has announced a firmware upgrade for its ENDEC Model 3644. The upgrade, #89-32, adds Blue Alert functionality. Blue Alerts are warnings about police that may be in trouble or are issuing a related emergency message. They are currently voluntary. The company adds, “The release notes also address… read more