National Emergency Alert System Test Scheduled for September 27, 2017; Participant Reporting Deadlines Also Set

The 2017 National EAS Test is scheduled for September 27, 2017, at 2:20 PM EDT, with a backup test date of October 4, 2017 if there is an actual emergency or weather event on September 27. The test will be conducted with both English and Spanish language text and audio.

By August 28, 2017, all radio and television EAS Participants must submit identifying information to the FCC and complete the filing of Form One of the FCC’s EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS). EAS Participants will also file day-of-test data, and post-test data related to a nationwide test, in ETRS. Note that for the first time this year, the FCC is requiring EAS Participants to file their ETRS Forms using a single account by creating an “FCC Username” within the FCC’s User Registration System in order to register and access ETRS.

The ETRS database consists of the following three forms:

1. Form One: Requires information identifying the EAS Participant. EAS Participants must complete the 2017 ETRS Form One by August 28, 2017. Each EAS Participant should file a separate copy of Form One for each of its EAS decoders, EAS encoders, and units combining decoder and encoder functions.
2. Form Two: “Day of Test” form is used to confirm receipt of the national test signal, and must be filed by 11:59 PM EDT on September 27, 2017.
3. Form Three: Requires EAS Participants to submit detailed information regarding their receipt of the national alert, including any difficulties receiving or passing along the national EAS alert during the test. Form Three must be filed by November 13, 2017.

If you have questions about the upcoming national EAS test or the required ETRS filings, please contact any attorney in our office.