National EAS/WEA Test Scheduled for August 11, 2021; ETRS Form One Due July 6, 2021 for Broadcasters

The 2021 National Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) Test is scheduled for August 11, 2021 at 2:20 p.m. EDT, with a backup date of August 25, 2021.

The EAS portion of 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. All EAS participants are required to participate in the national EAS test.

The WEA portion of the test will be sent to consumer cell phone subscribers who have opted-in to receive WEA messages. The WEA test will use FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks.

As part of the national EAS test, all participants (including broadcasters) must file three forms in the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS):

• Form One, by July 6, 2021. Form One provides basic information about the EAS participant.
• Form Two, by August 12, 2021. Form Two is used to confirm receipt of the national EAS test.
• Form Three, by September 27, 2021. 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 questions about the nationwide EAS/WEA test, or the required filings, please contact any attorney in our office.