National EAS Test Scheduled For August 7, 2019; ETRS Form One Due July 3, 2019

The 2019 National Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test is scheduled for August 7, 2019 at 2:20 PM EDT, with a backup date of August 21, 2019. The test will use the over-the-air “daisy chain” distribution method, meaning that it will be initiated on Primary Entry Point broadcast stations, retransmitted by stations that monitor those primary stations, and again retransmitted by stations that monitor the secondary stations. The test will not be distributed using the Internet-based Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) distribution system.

As part of the national EAS test, all participating radio and television stations must file three forms in the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS):

• Form One is due by July 3, 2019. Form One provides basic information about the EAS participant. Each EAS participant should file a separate copy of Form One for each of its EAS decoders, EAS encoders, or units combining decoder/encoder functions.
• Form Two is due by 11:59 PM on the day of the test. Form Two is used to confirm receipt of the national EAS test.
• Form Three is due by September 23, 2019. In Form Three, EAS participants will provide more detailed information about their receipt and retransmission of the national EAS test.

In preparation for the test, EAS participants should make sure that their EAS equipment is up to date with the latest software and configured to monitor the correct EAS source stations. A copy of the EAS Operating Handbook should be available at EAS equipment locations.

If you have any questions regarding the Nationwide EAS Test or the associated forms, please contact any attorney in our office.