(September 26, 2016) – At 2:20 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 virtually every American radio and TV station, and cable television channel, will be briefly interrupted during the second-ever National test of the Emergency Alert System.
Operationally this test will sound like most others and only interrupt programming for 60-90 seconds. Unlike most weekly or monthly tests that originate locally, this one will originate from a FEMA facility somewhere near Washington, D.C.
For some months the FCC has reminded broadcasters of the software upgrades they needed to make. They must also have a copy of the new EAS Operating Handbook at each station control point.
Stations are required to complete Form Two in the new online EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) by 11:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday night. Final station reports are to be filed in Form Three on or before November 14, 2016. Complete details on the test are available here.