Emergency Alert System Overview

EAS Testing Schedule

EAS

In the event of an emergency, Michigan's Emergency Alert System is designed to relay a brief message on radio, television and cable to Michigan citizens. EAS works on a regional, statewide and national level. EAS is used most often on a regional basis for severe weather.

Michigan's EAS plan was approved by the FCC in 1999. This plan was developed after input from Michigan broadcasters, law enforcement agencies, the National Weather Service and cable television.


Click on the "EAS" link above to get more information.


EAS Test Schedule


Click on the header above to view the testing schedule for the state.

 

 

FCC Proposing Changes to EAS

 

On July 12, the Federal Communications Commission issued its Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on the "Next Generation Emergency Alert System". Click HERE for a copy of the 75-page document. Here's a brief summary of the NPRM:

 

In this NPRM, the FCC made the following known:

  • The current system will not be scrapped
    • The FCC stated in this NPRM that NOAA Weather Radios will not replace EAS
    • The FCC wishes to retain and improve upon the current EAS for financial, time, and recognition reasons
  • Improvements the FCC wants to see for the "Next Generation EAS":
    • 1) The use of Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), instead of the current encoding method called Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), because:
      • CAP is digital
        • Allowing digital signatures to be required when alerts are sent (higher security)
        • Allowing non-English speakers and disabled populations to be reached
      • CAP is already used by NOAA, the US Geological Survey, and soon, FEMA
    • 2) Requiring all broadcast licensees to air, in addition to Presidential Messages, messages originating from the Governor of the licensee's state and his/her designees
      • These designees could include county authorities
    • 3) The addition of satellite, internet, cellular phones, and other modern technologies into the EAS
      • The FCC believes that using CAP instead of SAME is a step in the right direction
      • The FCC has designated the inclusion of cellular phone technologies (call, text, etc.) to the WARN (Warning, Alert, and Response Network) Committee
        • The WARN Committee was formed per the WARN Act, which aims to create a national network to convey emergency messages to the public via all technologies
  • Questions that remain unanswered from this NPRM
    • How and to what degree will using CAP rather than SAME benefit non-English and disabled populations?
    • From a technical standpoint, how will CAP replace SAME and, more importantly, who will pay for it?
    • When is the deadline for broadcasters to make their EAS equipment CAP-compatible?


    The MAB will closely monitor all statements and NPRM's made by the FCC, and will keep members informed. Check back often for more information on the "Next Generation EAS."