The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is designed to provide fast and efficient dissemination of important information during times of emergency or crisis. While local EAS messages originate from state authorities such as the Office of the Governor, the Department of Public Safety or Homeland Security, broadcasters across the state are dedicated to getting that information to our communities as quickly and reliably as possible.

07-08-2019 | Broadcast Law Blog

The FCC earlier last week posted on its Blog an article from the Chief of its Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau about state EAS plans, stressing how important these plans are to making sure that any emergency message conveyed through an EAS alert is properly transmitted to all who are supposed to receive it, so that it ultimately reaches the members of the public who should be aware of the emergency situation which triggered the alert.

As broadcast employees and stations change ownership and call letters change over time, it is important that stations review their state plan and alert their state EAS committee of any needed changes. Only with an updated and accurate plan can the FCC be assured that word gets out to the right people in the event of an emergency. A link to the state plans available is available here on the FCC website.