Emergency Alert System:
The Emergency Alert System (EAS system) is a national warning system in the United States put into place in 1997, superseding the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) and the CONELRAD System and is jointly coordinated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), EAS label and the National Weather Service (NWS). The official EAS is designed to enable the President of the United States to speak to the United States within 10 minutes (this official federal EAS has never been activated). The EAS regulations and standards are governed by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau of the FCC. Each State and several territories have their own EAS plan. The EAS covers AM, FM and ACSSB(R) (LM(R)) radio, and VHF, UHF and cable television including low-power stations. Digital television and cable providers, along with XM and Sirius satellite radio, Worldspace, IBOC, DAB and digital radio broadcasters have been required to participate in the EAS since December 31, 2006. DirecTV, Dish Network, Muzak, DMX Music, Music Choice and all other DBS providers have been required to participate since May 31, 2007. Video Dial Tone (OVS) has been required to participate since July 1, 2007. |
