The date for the National EAS Test is coming up in a couple of weeks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reminding Emergency Alert System (EAS) participants, including all radio and television stations, that they are required to participate in this nationwide EAS test on September 28, 2016, at 1:20 p.m. CDT.

Make sure your station is ready for this required EAS test!!!

All EAS decoders should be programmed to receive and relay the National Periodic Test code (NPT) with a National Location code of six zeros (000000). Sage Endec users should have firmware version 89.30 installed to comply with this configuration.

All broadcasters were also required to register and file Form One in the new Emergency Alert System (EAS) test reporting system (ETRS) by August 26, 2016. The new ETRS will be used to collect information on EAS participants’ performance in the national EAS test. Broadcasters have until September 26, 2016, to edit their ETRS Form One submissions. ETRS Form Two must be filed on or before 11:59 p.m. EDT on September 28, 2016, and ETRS Form Three must be filed on or before November 14, 2016. Instructional materials can be found on the ETRS webpage.

The FCC has also released a revised EAS Operating Handbook. A copy of the handbook must be located at normal duty positions or EAS equipment locations when an operator is required to be on duty and be immediately available to staff responsible for administering EAS tests. The handbook must be in place in time for the 2016 nationwide EAS test.

Station Chief Operators should be reviewing the EAS logs carefully to make sure they are receiving the IPAWS Required Weekly Test (RWT) each Monday at 11:00 AM local time. Several stations around the state are experiencing internet drop outs which results in not receiving these test. Contact your IT department or internet provider if you are having this problem before the test date.

If you have any questions please contact the state SECC chairman Larry Wilkins