The FCC and FEMA have released a joint notice reminding all qualifying Emergency Alert Service (EAS) participants (EAS Participants) that a mandatory EAS nationwide test will be conducted at 2:20 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. All EAS Participants, which include radio, broadcast television, cable, satellite and other service providers, are also required to pre-register for the EAS test and submit various post-test reports. The purpose of the EAS test and follow-up reports is for the FCC, FEMA and the National Weather Service to ensure that EAS remains an effective warning system during times of emergencies and that the new EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) effectively captures the capabilities and limitations of the EAS.
