FCC details Nov. 17 emergency alert test and deadlines

FEMA will conduct a nationwide Emergency Alert System test at 2:20 p.m. on Nov. 17, using the Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS), the FCC said. The regulator will coordinate the transmission. The test window runs for 30 minutes; the reporting obligations stretch almost seven weeks.

The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau issued the public notice to broadcasters and other Emergency Alert System (EAS) participants. It covers two EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) filing deadlines, equipment readiness and accessibility.

What will viewers hear and see?

FEMA says the test message’s audio and text elements are designed to be identical to the greatest extent possible. The agency states:

“This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”

The wording identifies the issuing agency, coverage, timing and public instruction in one message. “Only a test” is the operative distinction; no emergency response is requested.

What must participants check before Nov. 17?

The bureau advises participants to upgrade their EAS equipment software and firmware to the latest versions. Participants must ensure their equipment can receive and process the National Periodic Test code and the “six zeroes” national location code. The equipment must also operate in compliance with FCC rules.

Participants should review their state EAS plans for monitoring assignments. They also need to confirm that their equipment is configured properly to monitor those sources.

What do the reporting forms require?

ETRS Form Two is due on or before Nov. 19, while Form Three is due on or before Jan. 4, 2027. The FCC has posted an instructional video online explaining how to complete the test reporting forms.

Participants that update software or replace equipment after filing an ETRS form must update their Form One filing. It must reflect the equipment and software version they will use on the day of the nationwide test.

Filers can amend previous forms in ETRS by selecting the “My Filings” menu option and clicking the record for that form. The amendment requirement keeps the record aligned with the setup actually used on Nov. 17.

Which providers must carry the national alert?

FCC rule section 11.51 requires analog and digital TV stations, cable systems, wireless cable systems, wireline video systems and direct broadcast satellite providers to broadcast national alerts. They must do so in a manner that enables people with disabilities and others to access all EAS content.

Participants must also ensure full access for people who are hearing impaired or deaf, and for people who are visually impaired or blind. The rules governing presentation matter as much as sending the alert.

How must text and audio work?

EAS text must meet several display conditions:

• At the top of the television screen, or where it will not interfere with other visual messages, including closed captions.
• In a readily readable and understandable form, using suitable font size, color, contrast, location and speed.
• Without overlapping other lines or extending beyond the viewable display, except for video crawls intentionally designed to scroll on and off.
• In full at least once during any EAS message.

The audio portion must be played in full at least once, ensuring access for viewers who are blind or have low vision. Audio messages should also be spoken at a pace that allows listeners to understand them.

For visual messages, crawl speed should allow viewers to read the crawl as if they were going to read it aloud. Background and text colors need sufficient contrast; the FCC says a bright green background with white text may not provide enough.

Green and red should also be avoided, because color-blind viewers can have difficulty seeing them. More information on the accessibility requirements is available online.

Before Nov. 17, EAS participants need to settle code handling, monitoring assignments, software versions and accessible text and audio. Form Two follows on Nov. 19, while Form Three is due Jan. 4, 2027. The alert itself lasts half an hour; the compliance trail runs almost seven weeks.