FCC 47cfr80.pdf.11 as of October 1, 2007

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FCC 47cfr80.pdf.11
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e-CFR Data is current as of October 1, 2007

Title 47: Telecommunication

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PART 11—EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS)
___________________________________

Section Contents

Subpart A—General

§ 11.1 Purpose.
§ 11.11 The Emergency Alert System (EAS).
§ 11.12 Two-tone Attention Signal encoder and decoder.
§ 11.13 Emergency Action Notification (EAN) and Emergency Action
Termination (EAT).
§ 11.14 Primary Entry Point (PEP) System.
§ 11.15 EAS Operating Handbook.
§ 11.16 National Control Point Procedures.
§ 11.18 EAS Designations.
§ 11.19 EAS Non-participating National Authorization Letter.
§ 11.20 State Relay Network.
§ 11.21 State and Local Area Plans and FCC Mapbook.

Subpart B—Equipment Requirements

§ 11.31 EAS protocol.
§ 11.32 EAS Encoder.
§ 11.33 EAS Decoder.
§ 11.34 Acceptability of the equipment.
§ 11.35 Equipment operational readiness.

Subpart C—Organization

§ 11.41 Participation in EAS.
§ 11.42 Participation by communications common carriers.
§ 11.43 National level participation.
§ 11.44 EAS message priorities.
§ 11.45 Prohibition of false or deceptive EAS transmissions.
§ 11.46 EAS public service announcements.
§ 11.47 Optional use of other communications methods and systems.

Subpart D—Emergency Operations

§ 11.51 EAS code and Attention Signal Transmission requirements.
§ 11.52 EAS code and Attention Signal Monitoring requirements.
§ 11.53 Dissemination of Emergency Action Notification.
§ 11.54 EAS operation during a National Level emergency.
§ 11.55 EAS operation during a State or Local Area emergency.

Subpart E—Tests

§ 11.61 Tests of EAS procedures.
___________________________________

Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154 (i) and (o), 303(r), 544(g) and 606.

Source: 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General

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§ 11.1 Purpose.

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This part contains rules and regulations providing for an Emergency Alert
System (EAS). The EAS provides the President with the capability to provide
immediate communications and information to the general public at the
National, State and Local Area levels during periods of national emergency.
The rules in this part describe the required technical standards and
operational procedures of the EAS for analog AM, FM, and TV broadcast
stations, digital broadcast stations, analog cable systems, digital cable
systems, wireless cable systems, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) services,
Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS), and other participating
entities. The EAS may be used to provide the heads of State and local
government, or their designated representatives, with a means of emergency
communication with the public in their State or Local Area.

[ 70 FR 71031 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.11 The Emergency Alert System (EAS).

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(a) The EAS is composed of analog radio broadcast stations including AM, FM,
and Low-power FM (LPFM) stations; digital audio broadcasting (DAB) stations,
including digital AM, FM, and Low-power FM stations; analog television
broadcast stations including Class A television (CA) and Low-power TV (LPTV)
stations; digital television (DTV) broadcast stations, including digital CA
and digital LPTV stations; analog cable systems; digital cable systems which
are defined for purposes of this part only as the portion of a cable system
that delivers channels in digital format to subscribers at the input of a
Unidirectional Digital Cable Product or other navigation device; wireless
cable systems which may consist of Broadband Radio Service (BRS), or
Educational Broadband Service (EBS) stations; DBS services, as defined in 47
CFR 25.701(a) (including certain Ku-band Fixed-Satellite Service Direct to
Home providers); SDARS, as defined in 47 CFR 25.201; participating broadcast
networks, cable networks and program suppliers; and other entities and
industries operating on an organized basis during emergencies at the
National, State and local levels. These entities are referred to
collectively as EAS Participants in this part, and are subject to this part,
except as otherwise provided herein. These rules in this part are effective
on December 31, 2006 for DTV, DAB, digital cable and SDARS providers, and on
May 31, 2007 for DBS providers. At a minimum EAS Participants must use a
common EAS protocol, as defined in §11.31, to send and receive emergency
alerts in accordance with the effective dates listed above in this paragraph
and in the following tables:

Analog and Digital Broadcast Stations
EAS equipment requirement AM & FM Digital TV AM & FM DTV FM Class D^1 LPTV^2
LPFM^3 Class A TV^4
Two-tone encoder^5^6 Y Y 12/31/06 Y Y 12/31/06 N N N
EAS decoder Y 1/1/97 Y 12/31/06 Y 1/1/97 Y 12/31/06 Y 1/1/97 Y 1/1/97 Y Y
EAS encoder Y 1/1/97 Y 12/31/06 Y 1/1/97 Y 12/31/06 N N N
Audio message Y 1/1/97 Y 12/31/06 Y 1/1/97 Y 12/31/06 Y 1/1/97 Y 1/1/97 Y Y
Video message N/A N/A Y 1/1/97 Y 12/31/06 N/A Y 1/1/97 N/A

^1Effective December 31, 2006, digital FM Class D stations have the same
requirements.

^2LPTV stations that operate as television broadcast translator stations are
exempt from the requirement to have EAS equipment. Effective December 31,
2006, digital LPTV stations have the same requirements.

^3LPFM stations must install a decoder within one year after the FCC
publishes in the Federal Register a public notice indicating that at least
one decoder has been certified by the FCC. Effective December 31, 2006,
digital LPFM stations have the same requirements.

^4Effective December 31, 2006, digital Class A TV stations have the same
requirements.

^5Effective July 1, 1995, the two-tone signal must be 8–25 seconds.

^6Effective January 1, 1998, the two-tone signal may only be used to provide
audio alerts to audiences before EAS emergency messages and the required
monthly tests.

Analog Cable Systems

[A. Analog cable systems serving fewer than 5,000 subscribers from a headend
must either provide the National level EAS message on all programmed
channels_including the required testing_by October 1, 2002, or comply with
the following EAS requirements. All other analog cable systems must comply
with B.]
System size and effective dates
B. EAS equipment requirement >=10,000 subscribers >=5,000 but <10,000
subscribers <5,000 subscribers
Two-tone signal from storage device Y 12/31/98 Y 10/1/02 Y 10/1/02
EAS decoder^3 Y 12/31/98 Y 10/1/02 Y 10/1/02
EAS encoder^2 Y 12/31/98 Y 10/1/02 Y 10/1/02
Audio and Video EAS Message on all channels Y 12/31/98 Y 10/1/02 N
Video interrupt and audio alert message on all channels,^3Audio and Video
EAS message on at least one channel N N Y 10/1/02

^1Two-tone signal is only used to provide an audio alert to audience before
EAS emergency messages and required monthly test. The two-tone signal must
be 8–25 seconds in duration.

^2Analog cable systems serving <5,000 subscribers are permitted to operate
without an EAS encoder if they install an FCC-certified decoder.

^3The Video interrupt must cause all channels that carry programming to
flash for the duration of the EAS emergency message. The audio alert must
give the channel where the EAS messages are carried and be repeated for the
duration of the EAS message.

Note: Programmed channels do not include channels used for the transmission
of data such as interactive games.

Wireless Cable Systems (BRS/EBS STATIONS)

[A. Wireless cable systems serving fewer than 5,000 subscribers from a
single transmission site must either provide the National level EAS message
on all programmed channels including the required testing by October 1,
2002, or comply with the following EAS requirements. All other wireless
cable systems must comply with B.]
System size and effective dates
B. EAS equipment requirement subscribers >=5,000 subscribers <5,000
EAS decoder Y 10/1/02 Y 10/1/02
EAS encoder^1^2 Y 10/1/02 Y 10/1/02
Audio and Video EAS Message on all channels^3 Y 10/1/02 N
Video interrupt and audio alert message on all channels;^4Audio and Video
EAS message on at least one channel N Y 10/1/02

^1The two-tone signal is used only to provide an audio alert to an audience
prior to an EAS emergency message or to the Required Monthly Test (RMT)
under §11.61(a)(1). The two-tone signal must be 8–25 seconds in duration.

^2Wireless cable systems serving < 5,000 subscribers are permitted to
operate without an EAS encoder if they install an FCC-certified decoder.

^3All wireless cable systems may comply with this requirement by providing a
means to switch all programmed channels to a predesignated channel that
carries the required audio and video EAS messages.

^4The Video interrupt must cause all channels that carry programming to
flash for the duration of the EAS emergency message. The audio alert must
give the channel where the EAS messages are carried and be repeated for the
duration of the EAS message.

Note: Programmed channels do not include channels used for the transmission
of data services such as Internet.

Digital Cable Systems

[A. Digital cable systems serving fewer than 5,000 subscribers from a
headend must either provide the National level EAS message on all programmed
channels including the required testing by December 31, 2006, or comply with
the following EAS requirements. All other digital cable systems must comply
with B.]
System size and effective dates
B. EAS equipment requirement >=5,000 subscribers <5,000 subscribers
Two-tone signal from storage device^1 Y 12/31/06 Y 12/31/06
EAS decoder^3 Y 12/31/06 Y 12/31/06
EAS encoder^2 Y 12/31/06 Y 12/31/06
Audio and Video EAS Message on all channels^4 Y 12/31/06 N
Video interrupt and audio alert message on all channels,^3Audio and Video
EAS message on at least one channel N Y 12/31/06

^1Two-tone signal is only used to provide an audio alert to audience before
EAS emergency messages and required monthly test. The two-tone signal must
be 8–25 seconds in duration.

^2Digital cable systems serving <5,000 subscribers are permitted to operate
without an EAS encoder if they install an FCC-certified decoder.

^4All digital cable systems may comply with this requirement by providing a
means to switch all programmed channels to a predesignated channel that
carries the required audio and video EAS messages.

Note: Programmed channels do not include channels used for the transmission
of data such as interactive games or the transmission of data services such
as Internet.

SDARS and DBS
EAS equipment requirement SDARS DBS
Two-tone signal^1 Y 12/31/06 Y 5/31/07
EAS decoder Y 12/31/06 Y 5/31/07
EAS encoder Y 12/31/06 Y 5/31/07
Audio message on all channels^2 Y 12/31/06 Y 5/31/07
Video message on all channels^2 N/A Y 5/31/07

^1Two-tone signal is only used to provide an audio alert to audience before
EAS emergency messages and required monthly test. The two-tone signal must
be 8–25 seconds in duration.

^2All SDARS and DBS providers may comply with this requirement by providing
a means to switch all programmed channels to a predesignated channel that
carries the required audio and video EAS messages or by any other method
that ensures that viewers of all channels receive the EAS message.

(b) Analog class D non-commercial educational FM stations as defined in
§73.506 of this chapter, digital class D non-commercial educational FM
stations, analog LPFM stations as defined in §§73.811 and 73.853 of this
chapter, digital LPFM stations, analog LPTV stations as defined in
§74.701(f), and digital LPTV stations as defined in §74.701(k) of this
chapter are not required to comply with §11.32. Analog and digital LPTV
stations that operate as television broadcast translator stations, as
defined in §74.701(b) of this chapter, are not required to comply with the
requirements of this part. FM broadcast booster stations as defined in
§74.1201(f) of this chapter and FM translator stations as defined in
§74.1201(a) of this chapter which entirely rebroadcast the programming of
other local FM broadcast stations are not required to comply with the
requirements of this part. International broadcast stations as defined in
§73.701 of this chapter are not required to comply with the requirements of
this part. Analog and digital broadcast stations that operate as satellites
or repeaters of a hub station (or common studio or control point if there is
no hub station) and rebroadcast 100 percent of the programming of the hub
station (or common studio or control point) may satisfy the requirements of
this part through the use of a single set of EAS equipment at the hub
station (or common studio or control point) which complies with §§11.32 and
11.33.

(c) For purposes of the EAS, Broadband Radio Service (BRS) and Educational
Broadband Service (EBS) stations operated as part of wireless cable systems
in accordance with subpart M of part 27 of this chapter are defined as
follows:

(1) A “wireless cable system” is a collection of channels in the BRS or EBS
used to provide video programming services to subscribers. The channels may
be licensed to or leased by the wireless cable system operator.

(2) A “wireless cable operator” is the entity that has acquired the right to
use the channels of a wireless cable system for transmission of programming
to subscribers.

(d) Local franchise authorities and cable television system operators may
enter into mutual agreements that require the installation of EAS equipment
before the required dates listed in the tables in paragraph (a).
Additionally, local franchise authorities may use any EAS codes authorized
by the FCC in any agreements.

(e) Organizations using other communications systems or technologies such as
low earth orbit satellite systems, paging, computer networks, etc. may join
the EAS on a voluntary basis by contacting the FCC. Organizations that
choose to voluntarily participate must comply with the requirements of this
part.

[ 63 FR 29662 , June 1, 1998, as amended at 65 FR 7639 , Feb. 15, 2000; 65 FR 21657 , Apr. 24, 2000; 65 FR 30001 , May 10, 2000; 65 FR 34406 , May 30, 2000;
67 FR 18506 , Apr. 16, 2002; 69 FR 72031 , Dec. 10, 2004; 70 FR 19315 , Apr.
13, 2005; 70 FR 71031 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.12 Two-tone Attention Signal encoder and decoder.

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Existing two-tone Attention Signal encoder and decoder equipment type
accepted for use as Emergency Broadcast System equipment under part 73 of
this chapter may be used by broadcast stations until January 1, 1998,
provided that such equipment meets the requirements of §11.32(a)(9) and
11.33(b). Effective January 1, 1998, the two-tone Attention Signal decoder
will no longer be required and the two-tone Attention Signal will be used to
provide an audio alert.

[ 60 FR 55999 , Nov. 6, 1995]

§ 11.13 Emergency Action Notification (EAN) and Emergency Action Termination
(EAT).

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(a) The Emergency Action Notification (EAN) is the notice to all EAS
Participants and to the general public that the EAS has been activated for a
national emergency.

(b) The Emergency Action Termination (EAT) is the notice to all EAS
Participants and to the general public that the EAN has terminated.

[ 70 FR 71033 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.14 Primary Entry Point (PEP) System.

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The PEP system is a nationwide network of broadcast stations and other
entities connected with government activation points. It is used to
distribute the EAN, EAT and EAS national test messages, and other EAS
messages.

[ 67 FR 18507 , Apr. 16, 2002]

§ 11.15 EAS Operating Handbook.

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The EAS Operating Handbook states in summary form the actions to be taken by
personnel at EAS Participant facilities upon receipt of an EAN, an EAT,
tests, or State and Local Area alerts. It is issued by the FCC and contains
instructions for the above situations. A copy of the Handbook must be
located at normal duty positions or EAS equipment locations when an operator
is required to be on duty and be immediately available to staff responsible
for authenticating messages and initiating actions.

[ 70 FR 71033 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.16 National Control Point Procedures.

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The National Control Point Procedures are written instructions issued by the
FCC to national level EAS control points. The procedures are divided into
sections as follows:

(a) National Level EAS Activation. This section contains the activation and
termination instructions for Presidential messages.

(b) EAS Test Transmissions. This section contains the instructions for
testing the EAS at the National level.

(c) National Information Center (NIC). This section contains instructions
for distributing United States Government official information messages
after completion of the National Level EAS activation and termination
actions.

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 67 FR 18508 , Apr. 16, 2002]

§ 11.18 EAS Designations.

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(a) National Primary (NP) is a source of EAS Presidential messages.

(b) Local Primary (LP) is a source of EAS Local Area messages. An LP source
is responsible for coordinating the carriage of common emergency messages
from sources such as the National Weather Service or local emergency
management offices as specified in its EAS Local Area Plan. If it is unable
to carry out this function, other LP sources in the Local Area may be
assigned the responsibility as indicated in State and Local Area Plans. LP
sources are assigned numbers (LP–1, 2, 3, etc.) in the sequence they are to
be monitored by other broadcast stations in the Local Area.

(c) State Primary (SP) is a source of EAS State messages. These messages can
originate from the Governor or a designated representative in the State
Emergency Operating Center (EOC) or State Capital. Messages are sent via the
State Relay Network.

(d) State Relay (SR) is a source of EAS State messages. It is part of the
State Relay Network and relays National and State common emergency messages
into Local Areas.

(e) Participating National (PN) sources transmit EAS National, State or
Local Area messages. The EAS transmissions of PN sources are intended for
direct public reception.

(f) Non-participating National (NN) sources have elected not to participate
in the National level EAS and hold an authorization letter to that effect.
Upon activation of the national level EAS, NN sources are required to
broadcast the EAS codes, Attention Signal, the sign-off announcement in the
EAS Operating Handbook and then stop operating. All NN sources are required
to comply with §11.51, 11.52 and 11.61. They may transmit EAS State or Local
Area messages at any time without prior notice.

§ 11.19 EAS Non-participating National Authorization Letter.

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This authorization letter is issued by the FCC to EAS Participants that have
elected not to participate in the national level EAS. It states that the EAS
Participant has agreed to go off the air or discontinue programming on all
channels during a national level EAS message. For licensees this
authorization will remain in effect through the period of the initial
license and subsequent renewals from the time of issuance unless returned by
the holder or suspended, modified, or withdrawn by the Commission.

[ 70 FR 71033 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.20 State Relay Network.

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This network is composed of State Relay (SR) sources, leased common carrier
communications facilities or any other available communication facilities.
The network distributes State EAS messages originated by the Governor or
designated official. In addition to EAS monitoring, satellites, microwave,
FM subcarrier or any other communications technology may be used to
distribute State emergency messages.

§ 11.21 State and Local Area Plans and FCC Mapbook.

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EAS plans contain guidelines which must be followed by EAS Participants'
personnel, emergency officials, and National Weather Service (NWS) personnel
to activate the EAS. The plans include the EAS header codes and messages
that will be transmitted by key EAS sources (NP, LP, SP and SR). State and
local plans contain unique methods of EAS message distribution such as the
use of the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS). The plans must be reviewed
and approved by the Director, Office of Homeland Security, Enforcement
Bureau, prior to implementation to ensure that they are consistent with
national plans, FCC regulations, and EAS operation.

(a) The State plan contains procedures for State emergency management and
other State officials, the NWS, and EAS Participants' personnel to transmit
emergency information to the public during a State emergency using the EAS.

(b) The Local Area plan contains procedures for local officials or the NWS
to transmit emergency information to the public during a local emergency
using the EAS. Local plans may be a part of the State plan. A Local Area is
a geographical area of contiguous communities or counties that may include
more than one state.

(c) The FCC Mapbook is based on the above plans. It organizes all broadcast
stations and cable systems according to their State, EAS Local Area and EAS
designation.

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 55999 , Nov. 6, 1995; 63 FR 29663 , June 1, 1998; 65 FR 21658 , Apr. 24, 2000; 69 FR 30234 , May 27, 2004;
71 FR 69037 , Nov. 29, 2006; 70 FR 71033 , Nov. 25, 2005]

Subpart B—Equipment Requirements

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§ 11.31 EAS protocol.

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(a) The EAS uses a four part message for an emergency activation of the EAS.
The four parts are: Preamble and EAS Header Codes; audio Attention Signal;
message; and, Preamble and EAS End Of Message (EOM) Codes.

(1) The Preamble and EAS Codes must use Audio Frequency Shift Keying at a
rate of 520.83 bits per second to transmit the codes. Mark frequency is
2083.3 Hz and space frequency is 1562.5 Hz. Mark and space time must be 1.92
milliseconds. Characters are ASCII seven bit characters as defined in ANSI
X3.4–1977 ending with an eighth null bit (either 0 or 1) to constitute a
full eight-bit byte.

(2) The Attention Signal must be made up of the fundamental frequencies of
853 and 960 Hz. The two tones must be transmitted simultaneously. The
Attention Signal must be transmitted after the EAS header codes.

(3) The message may be audio, video or text.

(b) The ASCII dash and plus symbols are required and may not be used for any
other purpose. FM or TV call signs must use a slash ASCII character number
47 (/) in lieu of a dash.

(c) The EAS protocol, including any codes, must not be amended, extended or
abridged without FCC authorization. The EAS protocol and message format are
specified in the following representation.

Examples are provided in FCC Public Notices.

[PREAMBLE]ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT-JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL-(one second pause)

[PREAMBLE]ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT-JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL-(at least a one second
pause)

(transmission of 8 to 25 seconds of Attention Signal)

(transmission of audio, video or text messages)

(at least a one second pause)

[PREAMBLE]NNNN (one second pause)

[PREAMBLE]NNNN (at least one second pause)

[PREAMBLE] This is a consecutive string of bits (sixteen bytes of AB
hexadecimal [8 bit byte 10101011]) sent to clear the system, set AGC and set
asynchronous decoder clocking cycles. The preamble must be transmitted
before each header and End Of Message code.

ZCZC—This is the identifier, sent as ASCII characters ZCZC to indicate the
start of ASCII code.

ORG—This is the Originator code and indicates who originally initiated the
activation of the EAS. These codes are specified in paragraph (d) of this
section.

EEE—This is the Event code and indicates the nature of the EAS activation.
The codes are specified in paragraph (e) of this section. The Event codes
must be compatible with the codes used by the NWS Weather Radio Specific
Area Message Encoder (WRSAME).

PSSCCC—This the Location code and indicates the geographic area affected by
the EAS alert. There may be 31 Location codes in an EAS alert. The Location
code uses the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) numbers as
described by the U.S. Department of Commerce in National Institute of
Standards and Technology publication FIPS PUB 6–4. Each state is assigned an
SS number as specified in paragraph (f) of this section. Each county and
some cities are assigned a CCC number. A CCC number of 000 refers to an
entire State or Territory. P defines county subdivisions as follows: 0 = all
or an unspecified portion of a county, 1 = Northwest, 2 = North, 3 =
Northeast, 4 = West, 5 = Central, 6 = East, 7 = Southwest, 8 = South, 9 =
Southeast. Other numbers may be designated later for special applications.
The use of county subdivisions will probably be rare and generally for oddly
shaped or unusually large counties. Any subdivisions must be defined and
agreed to by the local officials prior to use.

+TTTT—This indicates the valid time period of a message in 15 minute
segments up to one hour and then in 30 minute segments beyond one hour;
i.e., +0015, +0030, +0045, +0100, +0430 and +0600.

JJJHHMM—This is the day in Julian Calendar days (JJJ) of the year and the
time in hours and minutes (HHMM) when the message was initially released by
the originator using 24 hour Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).

LLLLLLLL—This is the identification of the EAS Participant, NWS office,
etc., transmitting or retransmitting the message. These codes will be
automatically affixed to all outgoing messages by the EAS encoder.

NNNN—This is the End of Message (EOM) code sent as a string of four ASCII N
characters.

(d) The only originator codes are:
Originator ORG code
EAS Participant EAS
Civil authorities CIV
National Weather Service WXR
Primary Entry Point System PEP

(e) The following Event (EEE) codes are presently authorized:
Nature of Activation Event Codes
National Codes (Required):
Emergency Action Notification (National only) EAN
Emergency Action Termination (National only) EAT
National Information Center NIC
National Periodic Test NPT
Required Monthly Test RMT
Required Weekly Test RWT
State and Local Codes (Optional):
Administrative Message ADR
Avalanche Warning AVW^1
Avalanche Watch AVA^1
Blizzard Warning BZW
Child Abduction Emergency CAE^1
Civil Danger Warning CDW^1
Civil Emergency Message CEM
Coastal Flood Warning CFW^1
Coastal Flood Watch CFA^1
Dust Storm Warning DSW^1
Earthquake Warning EQW^1
Evacuation Immediate EVI
Fire Warning FRW^1
Flash Flood Warning FFW
Flash Flood Watch FFA
Flash Flood Statement FFS
Flood Warning FLW
Flood Watch FLA
Flood Statement FLS
Hazardous Materials Warning HMW^1
High Wind Warning HWW
High Wind Watch HWA
Hurricane Warning HUW
Hurricane Watch HUA
Hurricane Statement HLS
Law Enforcement Warning LEW^1
Local Area Emergency LAE^1
Network Message Notification NMN^1
911 Telephone Outage Emergency TOE^1
Nuclear Power Plant Warning NUW^1
Practice/Demo Warning DMO
Radiological Hazard Warning RHW^1
Severe Thunderstorm Warning SVR
Severe Thunderstorm Watch SVA
Severe Weather Statement SVS
Shelter in Place Warning SPW^1
Special Marine Warning SMW^1
Special Weather Statement SPS
Tornado Warning TOR
Tornado Watch TOA
Tropical Storm Warning TRW^1
Tropical Storm Watch TRA^1
Tsunami Warning TSW
Tsunami Watch TSA
Volcano Warning VOW^1
Winter Storm Warning WSW
Winter Storm Watch WSA

^1Effective May 16, 2002, analog radio and television broadcast stations,
analog cable systems and wireless cable systems may upgrade their existing
EAS equipment to add these event codes on a voluntary basis until the
equipment is replaced. All models of EAS equipment manufactured after August
1, 2003 must be capable of receiving and transmitting these event codes. EAS
Participants that install or replace their EAS equipment after February 1,
2004 must install equipment that is capable of receiving and transmitting
these event codes.

(f) The State, Territory and Offshore (Marine Area) FIPS number codes (SS)
are as follows. County FIPS numbers (CCC) are contained in the State EAS
Mapbook.
FIPS#
State:
AL 01
AK 02
AZ 04
AR 05
CA 06
CO 08
CT 09
DE 10
DC 11
FL 12
GA 13
HI 15
ID 16
IL 17
IN 18
IA 19
KS 20
KY 21
LA 22
ME 23
MD 24
MA 25
MI 26
MN 27
MS 28
MO 29
MT 30
NE 31
NV 32
NH 33
NJ 34
NM 35
NY 36
NC 37
ND 38
OH 39
OK 40
OR 41
PA 42
RI 44
SC 45
SD 46
TN 47
TX 48
UT 49
VT 50
VA 51
WA 53
WV 54
WI 55
WY 56
Terr.:
AS 60
FM 64
GU 66
MH 68
MH 68
PR 72
PW 70
UM 74
VI 78
Offshore (Marine Areas)^1:
Eastern North Pacific Ocean, and along U.S. West Coast from Canadian border
to Mexican border 57
North Pacific Ocean near Alaska, and along Alaska coastline, including the
Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska 58
Central Pacific Ocean, including Hawaiian waters 59
South Central Pacific Ocean, including American Samoa waters 61
Western Pacific Ocean, including Mariana Island waters 65
Western North Atlantic Ocean, and along U.S. East Coast, from Canadian
border south to Currituck Beach Light, N.C 73
Western North Atlantic Ocean, and along U.S. East Coast, south of Currituck
Beach Light, N.C., following the coastline into Gulf of Mexico to Bonita
Beach, FL., including the Caribbean 75
Gulf of Mexico, and along the U.S. Gulf Coast from the Mexican border to
Bonita Beach, FL 77
Lake Superior 91
Lake Michigan 92
Lake Huron 93
Lake St. Clair 94
Lake Erie 96
Lake Ontario 97
St. Lawrence River above St. Regis 98

^1Effective May 16, 2002, analog radio and television broadcast stations,
analog cable systems and wireless cable systems may upgrade their existing
EAS equipment to add these marine area location codes on a voluntary basis
until the equipment is replaced. All models of EAS equipment manufactured
after August 1, 2003, must be capable of receiving and transmitting these
marine area location codes. EAS Participants that install or replace their
EAS equipment after February 1, 2004, must install equipment that is capable
of receiving and transmitting these location codes.

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 55999 , Nov. 6, 1995; 61 FR 54952 , Oct. 23, 1996; 63 FR 29663 , June 1, 1998; 67 FR 18508 , Apr. 16, 2002;
67 FR 77174 , Dec. 17, 2002; 69 FR 72031 , Dec. 10, 2004; 70 FR 71033 , Nov.
25, 2005]

§ 11.32 EAS Encoder.

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(a) EAS Encoders must at a minimum be capable of encoding the EAS protocol
described in §11.31 and providing the EAS code transmission requirements
described in §11.51. EAS encoders must additionally provide the following
minimum specifications:

(1) Encoder programming. Access to encoder programming shall be protected by
a lock or other security measures and be configured so that authorized
personnel can readily select and program the EAS Encoder with Originator,
Event and Location codes for either manual or automatic operation.

(2) Inputs. The encoder shall have two inputs, one for audio messages and
one for data messages (RS–232C with standard protocol and 1200 baud rate).

(3) Outputs. The encoder shall have two outputs, one audio port and one data
port (RS–232C with standard protocol and 1200 baud rate).

(4) Calibration. EAS Encoders must provide a means to comply with the
modulation levels required in §11.51(f).

(5) Day-Hour-Minute and Identification Stamps. The encoder shall affix the
JJJHHMM and LLLLLLLL codes automatically to all initial messages.

(6) Program Data Retention. Program data and codes shall be retained even
with the power removed.

(7) Indicator. An aural or visible means that it activated when the Preamble
is sent and deactivated at the End of Message code.

(8) Spurious Response. All frequency components outside 200 to 4000 Hz shall
be attenuated by 40 dB or more with respect to the output levels of the mark
or space frequencies.

(9) Attention Signal generator. The encoder must provide an attention signal
that complies with the following:

(i) Tone Frequencies. The audio tones shall have fundamental frequencies of
853 and 960 Hz and not vary over ±0.5 Hz.

(ii) Harmonic Distortion. The total harmonic distortion of each of the audio
tones may not exceed 5% at the encoder output terminals.

(iii) Minimum Level of Output. The encoder shall have an output level
capability of at least +8 dBm into a 600 Ohm load impedance at each audio
tone. A means shall be provided to permit individual activation of the two
tones for calibration of associated systems.

(iv) Time Period for Transmission of Tones. The encoder shall have timing
circuitry that automatically generates the two tones simultaneously for a
time period of not less than 8 nor longer than 25 seconds. NOTE: Prior to
July 1, 1995, the Attention Signal must be at least 20 and not more than 25
seconds.

(v) Inadvertent activation. The switch used for initiating the automatic
generation of the simultaneous tones shall be protected to prevent
accidental operation.

(vi) Indicator Display. The encoder shall be provided with a visual and/or
aural indicator which clearly shows that the Attention Signal is activated.

(b) Operating Temperature and Humidity. Encoders shall have the ability to
operate with the above specifications within an ambient temperature range of
0 to +50 degrees C and a range of relative humidity of up to 95%.

(c) Primary Supply Voltage Variation. Encoders shall be capable of complying
with the requirements of this section during a variation in primary supply
voltage of 85 percent to 115 percent of its rated value.

(d) Testing Encoder Units. Encoders not covered by §11.34(e) of this part
shall be tested in a 10 V/m minimum RF field at an AM broadcast frequency
and a 0.5 V/m minimum RF field at an FM or TV broadcast frequency to
simulate actual working conditions.

§ 11.33 EAS Decoder.

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(a) An EAS Decoder must at a minimum be capable of decoding the EAS protocol
described in §11.31, provide the EAS monitoring functions described in
§11.52, and the following minimum specifications:

(1) Inputs. Decoders must have the capability to receive at least 2 audio
inputs from EAS monitoring assignments, and one data input (RS–232C with
standard protocol and 1200 baud rate). The data input may be used to monitor
other communications modes such as Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), NWR,
satellite, public switched telephone network, or any other source that uses
the EAS protocol.

(2) Valid codes. There must be a means to determine if valid EAS header
codes are received and to determine if preselected header codes are
received.

(3) Storage. Decoders must provide the means to:

(i) Record and store, either internally or externally, at least two minutes
of audio or text messages. A decoder manufactured without an internal means
to record and store audio or text must be equipped with a means (such as an
audio or digital jack connection) to couple to an external recording and
storing device.

(ii) Store at least ten preselected event and originator header codes, in
addition to the seven mandatory event/originator codes for tests and
national activations, and store any preselected location codes for
comparison with incoming header codes. A non-preselected header code that is
manually transmitted must be stored for comparison with later incoming
header codes. The header codes of the last ten received valid messages which
still have valid time periods must be stored for comparison with the
incoming valid header codes for later messages. These last received header
codes will be deleted from storage as their valid time periods expire.

(4) Display and logging. A visual message shall be developed from any valid
header codes for tests and national activations and any preselected header
codes received. The message shall include the Originator, Event, Location,
the valid time period of the message and the local time the message was
transmitted. The message shall be in the primary language of the EAS
Participant and be fully displayed on the decoder and readable in normal
light and darkness. All existing and new models of EAS decoders manufactured
after August 1, 2003 must provide a means to permit the selective display
and logging of EAS messages containing header codes for state and local EAS
events. Effective May 16, 2002, analog radio and television broadcast
stations, analog cable systems and wireless cable systems may upgrade their
decoders on an optional basis to include a selective display and logging
capability for EAS messages containing header codes for state and local
events. EAS Participants that install or replace their decoders after
February 1, 2004 must install decoders that provide a means to permit the
selective display and logging of EAS messages containing header codes for
state and local EAS events.

(5) Indicators. EAS decoders must have a distinct and separate aural or
visible means to indicate when any of the following conditions occurs:

(i) Any valid EAS header codes are received as specified in §11.33(a)(10).

(ii) Preprogrammed header codes, such as those selected in accordance with
§11.52(d)(2) are received.

(iii) A signal is present at each audio input that is specified in
§11.33(a)(1).

(6) Program Data Retention. The program data must be retained even with
power removed.

(7) Outputs. Decoders shall have the following outputs: a data port or ports
(RS–232C with standard protocol and 1200 baud rate) where received valid EAS
header codes and received preselected header codes are available; one audio
port that is capable of monitoring each decoder audio input; and, an
internal speaker to enable personnel to hear audio from each input.

(8) Decoder Programming. Access to decoder programming shall be protected by
a lock or other security measures and be configured so that authorized
personnel can readily select and program the EAS Decoder with preselected
Originator, Event and Location codes for either manual or automatic
operation.

(9) Reset. There shall be a method to automatically or manually reset the
decoder to the normal monitoring condition. Operators shall be able to
select a time interval, not less than two minutes, in which the decoder
would automatically reset if it received an EAS header code but not an
end-of-message (EOM) code. Messages received with the EAN Event codes shall
disable the reset function so that lengthy audio messages can be handled.
The last message received with valid header codes shall be displayed as
required by paragraph (a)(4) of this section before the decoder is reset.

(10) Message Validity. An EAS Decoder must provide error detection and
validation of the header codes of each message to ascertain if the message
is valid. Header code comparisons may be accomplished through the use of a
bit-by-bit compare or any other error detection and validation protocol. A
header code must only be considered valid when two of the three headers
match exactly. Duplicate messages must not be relayed automatically.

(11) A header code with the EAN Event code specified in §11.31(c) that is
received through any of the audio inputs must override all other messages.

(b) Attention Signal. EAS Decoders shall have detection and activation
circuitry that will demute a receiver upon detection of the two audio tones
of 853 Hz and 960 Hz. To prevent false responses, decoders designed to use
the two tones for receiver demuting shall comply with the following:

(1) Time Delay. A minimum time delay of 8 but not more than 16 seconds of
tone reception shall be incorporated into the demuting or activation process
to insure that the tones will be audible for a period of at least 4 seconds.
After July 1, 1995, the time delay shall be 3–4 seconds.

(2) Operation Bandwidth. The decoder circuitry shall not respond to tones
which vary more than ±5 Hz from each of the frequencies, 853 Hz and 960 Hz.

(3) Reset Ability. The decoder shall have a means to manually or
automatically reset the associated broadcast receiver to a muted state.

(c) Decoders shall be capable of operation within the tolerances specified
in this section as well as those in §11.32 (b), (c) and (d).

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 55999 , Nov. 6, 1995; 67 FR 18510 , Apr. 16, 2002; 70 FR 71033 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.34 Acceptability of the equipment.

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(a) An EAS Encoder used for generating the EAS codes and the Attention
Signal must be Certified in accordance with the procedures in part 2,
subpart J, of this chapter. The data and information submitted must show the
capability of the equipment to meet the requirements of this part as well as
the requirements contained in part 15 of this chapter for digital devices.

(b) Decoders used for the detection of the EAS codes and receiving the
Attention Signal must be Certified in accordance with the procedures in part
2, subpart J, of this chapter. The data and information submitted must show
the capability of the equipment to meet the requirements of this part as
well as the requirements contained in part 15 of this chapter for digital
devices.

(c) The functions of the EAS decoder, Attention Signal generator and
receiver, and the EAS encoder specified in §§11.31, 11.32 and 11.33 may be
combined and Certified as a single unit provided that the unit complies with
all specifications in this rule section.

(d) Manufacturers must include instructions and information on how to
install, operate and program an EAS Encoder, EAS Decoder, or combined unit
and a list of all State and county FIPS numbers with each unit sold or
marketed in the U.S.

(e) Waiver requests of the Certification requirements for EAS Encoders or
EAS Decoders which are constructed for use by an EAS Participant, but are
not offered for sale will be considered on an individual basis in accordance
with part 1, subpart G, of this chapter.

(f) Modifications to existing authorized EAS decoders, encoders or combined
units necessary to implement the new EAS codes specified in §11.31 and to
implement the selective displaying and logging feature specified in
§11.33(a)(4) will be considered Class I permissive changes that do not
require a new application for and grant of equipment certification under
part 2, subpart J of this chapter.

(g) All existing and new models of EAS encoders, decoders and combined units
manufactured after August 1, 2003 must be capable of generating and
detecting the new EAS codes specified in §11.31 in order to be certified
under part 2, subpart J of this chapter. All existing and new models of EAS
decoders and combined units manufactured after August 1, 2003 must have the
selective displaying and logging capability specified in §11.33(a)(4) in
order to be certified under part 2, subpart J of this chapter.

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 56000 , Nov. 6, 1995; 67 FR 18510 , Apr. 16, 2002; 70 FR 71034 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.35 Equipment operational readiness.

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(a) EAS Participants are responsible for ensuring that EAS Encoders, EAS
Decoders and Attention Signal generating and receiving equipment used as
part of the EAS are installed so that the monitoring and transmitting
functions are available during the times the stations and systems are in
operation. Additionally, EAS Participants must determine the cause of any
failure to receive the required tests or activations specified in
§11.61(a)(1) and (a)(2). Appropriate entries indicating reasons why any
tests were not received must be made in the broadcast station log as
specified in §§73.1820 and 73.1840 of this chapter for all broadcast streams
and cable system records as specified in §§76.1700, 76.1708, and 76.1711 of
this chapter. All other EAS Participants must also keep records indicating
reasons why any tests were not received and these records must be retained
for two years, maintained at the EAS Participant's headquarters, and made
available for public inspection upon reasonable request.

(b) If the EAS Encoder or EAS Decoder becomes defective, the EAS Participant
may operate without the defective equipment pending its repair or
replacement for 60 days without further FCC authority. Entries shall be made
in the broadcast station log, cable system records, and records of other EAS
Participants, as specified in paragraph (a) of this rule, showing the date
and time the equipment was removed and restored to service. For personnel
training purposes, the required monthly test script must still be
transmitted even though the equipment for generating the EAS message codes,
Attention Signal and EOM code is not functioning.

(c) If repair or replacement of defective equipment is not completed within
60 days, an informal request shall be submitted to the District Director of
the FCC field office serving the area in which the EAS Participant is
located, or in the case of DBS and SDARS providers to the District Director
of the FCC field office serving the area where their headquarters is
located, for additional time to repair the defective equipment. This request
must explain what steps have been taken to repair or replace the defective
equipment, the alternative procedures being used while the defective
equipment is out of service, and when the defective equipment will be
repaired or replaced.

[ 70 FR 71034 , Nov. 25, 2005]

Subpart C—Organization

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§ 11.41 Participation in EAS.

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(a) All EAS Participants specified in §11.11 are categorized as
Participating National (PN) sources unless authorized by the FCC to be
Non-Participating (NN) sources.

(b) An EAS Participant may submit a written request to the FCC asking to be
an NN source. The FCC may then issue a Non-participating National
Authorization letter. NN sources must go off the air during a national EAS
activation after transmitting specified information.

(1) An EAS Participant that is an NN source under §11.18(f) that wants to
become a PN source in the national level EAS must submit a written request
to the FCC.

(2) NN sources may voluntarily participate in the State and Local Area EAS.
Participation is at the discretion of EAS Participant management and should
comply with State and Local Area EAS Plans.

[ 70 FR 71034 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.42 Participation by communications common carriers.

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(a) During activation of the National level EAS, communications common
carriers which have facilities available in place may, without charge,
connect:

(1) An originating source from the nearest service area to a selected Test
Center and then to the EAS Participant for the duration of the emergency,
provided an Emergency Action Notification is issued by the White House and
the originating source has a local channel from the originating point to the
nearest service area.

(2) An independent broadcast station to the radio and television broadcast
networks and any other EAS Participant provided the station has in service a
local channel from the station's studio or transmitter directly to the
broadcast source.

(b) Upon receipt of the Emergency Action Termination, the common carriers
shall disconnect the originating source and the participating independent
stations and restore the networks and other EAS Participants to their
original configurations.

(c) During a National level EAS Test, common carriers which have facilities
in place may, without charge, connect an originating source from the nearest
exchange to a selected Test Center and then to any EAS Participant.
Independent stations will not be connected during the test unless authorized
by the FCC. Upon test termination, EAS Participants shall be restored to
their original configurations.

(d) A common carrier rendering free service shall file with the FCC, on or
before July 31st and January 31st of each year, reports covering the six
months ending on June 30th and December 31st respectively. These reports
shall state what free service was rendered under this rule and the charges
in dollars which would have accrued to the carrier for this service if
charges had been collected at the published tariff rates if such carriers
are required to file tariffs.

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 67 FR 18510 , Apr. 16, 2002; 70 FR 71034 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.43 National level participation.

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Entities that wish to voluntarily participate in the national level EAS may
submit a written request to the Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau.

[ 71 FR 69038 , Nov. 29, 2006]

§ 11.44 EAS message priorities.

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(a) A national activation of the EAS for a Presidential message with the
Event code EAN as specified in §11.31 must take priority over any other
message and preempt it if it is in progress.

(b) EAS participants should transmit other EAS messages in the following
order: first, Local Area Messages; second, State Messages; and third,
National Information Center (NIC) Messages.

(c) Key EAS sources (NP, LP, SP and SR) and Participating National (PN)
sources that remain on the air during a National emergency must carry
Presidential Messages “live” at the time of transmission or immediately upon
receipt. Activation of the National level EAS must preempt State and Local
Area EAS operation.

(d) During a national emergency, the facilities of all EAS Participants must
be reserved exclusively for distribution of Presidential Messages. NIC
messages received from national networks which are not broadcast at the time
of original transmission must be recorded locally by LP sources for
transmission at the earliest opportunity consistent with the message
priorities in paragraph (b) of this section.

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended by 70 FR 71034 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.45 Prohibition of false or deceptive EAS transmissions.

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No person may transmit or cause to transmit the EAS codes or Attention
Signal, or a recording or simulation thereof, in any circumstance other than
in an actual National, State or Local Area emergency or authorized test of
the EAS. Broadcast station licensees should also refer to §73.1217 of this
chapter.

§ 11.46 EAS public service announcements.

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EAS Participants may use Public Service Announcements or obtain commercial
sponsors for announcements, infomercials, or programs explaining the EAS to
the public. Such announcements and programs may not be a part of alerts or
tests, and may not simulate or attempt to copy alert tones or codes.

[ 70 FR 71034 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.47 Optional use of other communications methods and systems.

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(a) Analog and digital broadcast stations may additionally transmit EAS
messages through other communications means. For example, on a voluntary
basis, FM stations may use subcarriers to transmit the EAS codes including
57 kHz using the RBDS standard produced by the National Radio Systems
Committee (NRSC) and television stations may use subsidiary communications
services.

(b) Other technologies and public service providers, such as low earth
orbiting satellites, that wish to participate in the EAS may contact the
FCC's Office of Homeland Security, Enforcement Bureau, or their State
Emergency Communications Committee for information and guidance.

[ 70 FR 71034 , Nov. 25, 2005]

Subpart D—Emergency Operations

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§ 11.51 EAS code and Attention Signal Transmission requirements.

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(a) Analog and digital broadcast stations must transmit, either
automatically or manually, national level EAS messages and required tests by
sending the EAS header codes, Attention Signal, emergency message and End of
Message (EOM) codes using the EAS Protocol. The Attention Signal must
precede any emergency audio message. After January 1, 1998, the shortened
Attention Signal may only be used as an audio alert signal and the EAS codes
will become the minimum signaling requirement for National level messages
and tests.

(b) When relaying EAS messages, EAS Participants may transmit only the EAS
header codes and the EOM code without the Attention Signal and emergency
message for State and local emergencies. Pauses in video programming before
EAS message transmission should not cause television receivers to mute EAS
audio messages. No Attention Signal is required for EAS messages that do not
contain audio programming, such as a Required Weekly Test.

(c) By the effective dates provided in §11.11(a), all analog and digital
radio and television stations shall transmit EAS messages in the main audio
channel. Effective December 31, 2006, all DAB stations shall also transmit
EAS messages on all audio streams. Effective December 31, 2006, all DTV
broadcast stations shall also transmit EAS messages on all program streams.

(d) By the effective dates provided in §11.11(a), analog and digital
television broadcast stations shall transmit a visual message containing the
Originator, Event, Location and the valid time period of an EAS message. If
the message is a video crawl, it shall be displayed at the top of the
television screen or where it will not interfere with other visual messages.

(e) Analog class D non-commercial educational FM stations as defined in
§73.506 of this chapter, digital class D non-commercial educational FM
stations, analog Low Power FM (LPFM) stations as defined in §§73.811 and
73.853 of this chapter, digital LPFM stations, analog low power TV (LPTV)
stations as defined in §74.701(f) of this chapter, and digital LPTV stations
as defined in §74.701(k) of this chapter are not required to have equipment
capable of generating the EAS codes and Attention Signal specified in
§11.31.

(f) Analog and digital broadcast station equipment generating the EAS codes
and the Attention Signal shall modulate a broadcast station transmitter so
that the signal broadcast to other EAS Participants alerts them that the EAS
is being activated or tested at the National, State or Local Area level. The
minimum level of modulation for EAS codes, measured at peak modulation
levels using the internal calibration output required in §11.32(a)(4), shall
modulate the transmitter at the maximum possible level, but in no case less
than 50% of full channel modulation limits. Measured at peak modulation
levels, each of the Attention Signal tones shall be calibrated separately to
modulate the transmitter at no less than 40%. These two calibrated
modulation levels shall have values that are within 1 dB of each other.

(g) Analog cable systems and digital cable systems with fewer than 5,000
subscribers per headend and wireless cable systems with fewer than 5,000
subscribers shall transmit EAS audio messages in the same order specified in
paragraph (a) of this section on at least one channel. The Attention Signal
may be produced from a storage device. Additionally, these analog cable
systems, digital cable systems, and wireless cable systems:

(2) Must provide a video interruption and an audio alert message on all
channels. The audio alert message must state which channel is carrying the
EAS video and audio message,

(3) Shall transmit a visual EAS message on at least one channel. The message
shall contain the Originator, Event, Location, and the valid time period of
the EAS message. If the visual message is a video crawl, it shall be
displayed at the top of the subscriber's television screen or where it will
not interfere with other visual messages.

(4) May elect not to interrupt EAS messages from broadcast stations based
upon a written agreement between all concerned. Further, analog cable
systems, digital cable systems, and wireless cable systems may elect not to
interrupt the programming of a broadcast station carrying news or weather
related emergency information with state and local EAS messages based on a
written agreement between all parties.

(5) Wireless cable systems and digital cable systems with a requirement to
carry the audio and video EAS message on at least one channel and a
requirement to provide video interrupt and an audio alert message on all
other channels stating which channel is carrying the audio and video EAS
message, may comply by using a means on all programmed channels that
automatically tunes the subscriber's set-top box to a pre-designated channel
which carries the required audio and video EAS messages.

(h) Analog cable and digital cable systems with 10,000 or more subscribers;
analog cable and digital cable systems serving 5,000 or more, but less than
10,000 subscribers per headend; and wireless cable systems with 5,000 or
more subscribers shall transmit EAS audio messages in the same order
specified in paragraph (a) of this section. The Attention Signal may be
produced from a storage device. Additionally, these analog cable systems,
digital cable systems, and wireless cable systems:

(1) Must install, operate, and maintain equipment capable of generating the
EAS codes. The modulation levels for the EAS codes and Attention Signal for
analog cable systems shall comply with the aural signal requirements in
§76.605 of this chapter. This will provide sufficient signal levels to
operate subscriber television and radio receivers equipped with EAS decoders
and to audibly alert subscribers. Wireless cable systems and digital cable
systems shall also provide sufficient signal levels to operate subscriber
television and radio receivers equipped with EAS decoders and to audibly
alert subscribers.

(2) Shall transmit the EAS audio message required in paragraph (a) of this
section on all downstream channels.

(3) Shall transmit the EAS visual message on all downstream channels. The
visual message shall contain the Originator, Event, Location and the valid
time period of the EAS message. These are elements of the EAS header code
and are described in §11.31. If the visual message is a video crawl, it
shall be displayed at the top of the subscriber's television screen or where
it will not interfere with other visual messages.

(5) Wireless cable systems and digital cable systems with a requirement to
carry the audio and video EAS message on all downstream channels may comply
by using a means on all programmed channels that automatically tunes the
subscriber's set-top box to a pre-designated channel which carries the
required audio and video EAS messages.

(i) Effective December 31, 2006, SDARS licensees shall transmit national
audio EAS messages on all channels in the same order specified in paragraph
(a) of this section.

(1) SDARS licensees must install, operate, and maintain equipment capable of
generating the EAS codes.

(2) SDARS licensees may determine the distribution methods they will use to
comply with this requirement.

(j) Effective May 31, 2007, DBS providers shall transmit national audio and
visual EAS messages on all channels in the same order specified in paragraph
(a) of this section.

(1) DBS providers must install, operate, and maintain equipment capable of
generating the EAS codes.

(2) The visual message shall contain the Originator, Event, Location and the
valid time period of the EAS message. These are elements of the EAS header
code and are described in §11.31. If the visual message is a video crawl, it
shall be displayed at the top of the subscriber's television screen or where
it will not interfere with other visual messages.

(3) DBS providers may determine the distribution methods they will use to
comply with this requirement. Such methods may include distributing the EAS
message on all channels, using a means to automatically tune the
subscriber's set-top box to a pre-designated channel which carries the
required audio and video EAS messages, and/or passing through the EAS
message provided by programmers and/or local channels (where applicable).

(k) If manual interrupt is used as authorized in paragraph (m) of this
section, EAS Encoders must be located so that EAS Participant staff, at
normal duty locations, can initiate the EAS code and Attention Signal
transmission.

(l) EAS Participants that are co-owned and co-located with a combined studio
or control facility, (such as an AM and FM licensed to the same entity and
at the same location or a cable headend serving more than one system) may
provide the EAS transmitting requirements contained in this section for the
combined stations or systems with one EAS Encoder. The requirements of
§11.32 must be met by the combined facility.

(m) EAS Participants are required to transmit all received EAS messages in
which the header code contains the Event codes for Emergency Action
Notification (EAN), Emergency Action Termination (EAT), and Required Monthly
Test (RMT), and when the accompanying location codes include their State or
State/county. These EAS messages shall be retransmitted unchanged except for
the LLLLLLLL-code which identifies the EAS Participant retransmitting the
message. See §11.31(c). If an EAS source originates an EAS message with the
Event codes in this paragraph, it must include the location codes for the
State and counties in its service area. When transmitting the required
weekly test, EAS Participants shall use the event code RWT. The location
codes are the state and county for the broadcast station city of license or
system community or city. Other location codes may be included upon approval
of station or system management. EAS messages may be transmitted
automatically or manually.

(1) Automatic interrupt of programming and transmission of EAS messages are
required when facilities are unattended. Automatic transmissions must
include a permanent record that contains at a minimum the following
information: Originator, Event, Location and valid time period of the
message. The decoder performs the functions necessary to determine which EAS
messages are automatically transmitted by the encoder.

(n) EAS Participants may employ a minimum delay feature, not to exceed 15
minutes, for automatic interruption of EAS codes. However, this may not be
used for the EAN event which must be transmitted immediately. The delay time
for an RMT message may not exceed 60 minutes.

(o) Either manual or automatic operation of EAS equipment may be used by EAS
Participants that use remote control. If manual operation is used, an EAS
decoder must be located at the remote control location and it must directly
monitor the signals of the two assigned EAS sources. If direct monitoring of
the assigned EAS sources is not possible at the remote location, automatic
operation is required. If automatic operation is used, the remote control
location may be used to override the transmission of an EAS alert. EAS
Participants may change back and forth between automatic and manual
operation.

[ 70 FR 71035 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.52 EAS code and Attention Signal Monitoring requirements.

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(a) EAS Participants must be capable of receiving the Attention Signal
required by §11.32(a)(9) and emergency messages of other broadcast stations
during their hours of operation. EAS Participants must install and operate
during their hours of operation, equipment capable of receiving and
decoding, either automatically or manually, the EAS header codes, emergency
messages and EOM code. EAS Participants must comply with these requirements
by the dates set forth in §11.11.

Note to Paragraph (a): The two-tone Attention Signal will not be used to
actuate two-tone decoders but will be used as an aural alert signal.

(b) If manual interrupt is used as authorized in §11.51(m)(2), decoders must
be located so that operators at their normal duty stations can be alerted
immediately when EAS messages are received.

(c) EAS Participants that are co-owned and co-located with a combined studio
or control facility (such as an AM and FM licensed to the same entity and at
the same location or a cable headend serving more than one system) may
comply with the EAS monitoring requirements contained in this section for
the combined station or system with one EAS Decoder. The requirements of
§11.33 must be met by the combined facility.

(d) EAS Participants must monitor two EAS sources. The monitoring
assignments of each broadcast station and cable system and wireless cable
system are specified in the State EAS Plan and FCC Mapbook. They are
developed in accordance with FCC monitoring priorities.

(1) If the required EAS sources cannot be received, alternate arrangements
or a waiver may be obtained by written request to the FCC's EAS office. In
an emergency, a waiver may be issued over the telephone with a follow up
letter to confirm temporary or permanent reassignment.

(2) The management of EAS Participants shall determine which header codes
will automatically interrupt their programming for State and Local Area
emergency situations affecting their audiences.

(e) EAS Participants are required to interrupt normal programming either
automatically or manually when they receive an EAS message in which the
header code contains the Event codes for Emergency Action Notification
(EAN), Emergency Action Termination (EAT), and Required Monthly Test (RMT)
for their State or State/county location.

(1) Automatic interrupt of programming is required when facilities are
unattended. Automatic operation must provide a permanent record of the EAS
message that contains at a minimum the following information: Originator,
Event, Location and valid time period of the message.

(2) Manual interrupt of programming and transmission of EAS messages may be
used. EAS messages with the EAN Event code must be transmitted immediately
and Monthly EAS test messages within 60 minutes. All actions must be logged
and recorded as specified in §§11.35(a) and 11.54(b)(13). Decoders must be
programmed for the EAN and EAT Event header codes for National level
emergencies and the RMT and RWT Event header codes for required monthly and
weekly tests, with the appropriate accompanying State and State/county
location codes.

[ 70 FR 71036 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.53 Dissemination of Emergency Action Notification.

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Initiation of the EAN by any one of the following sources is sufficient to
begin the emergency actions in §11.54.

(a) National Level. The EAN is issued by the White House. The EAN message is
sent from a government origination point to broadcast stations and other
entities participating in the PEP system. It is then disseminated via EAS
Participants.

(1) Radio and television broadcast stations.

(2) Cable systems and wireless cable systems.

(3) Other entities voluntarily participating in EAS.

(b) State level and Local Area levels. EAN dissemination arrangements at
these levels originate from State and local governments in accordance with
State and Local Area plans.

(c) Analog and digital broadcast stations must, prior to commencing routine
operation or originating any emissions under program test, equipment test,
experimental, or other authorizations, determine whether the EAS has been
activated by monitoring the assigned EAS sources as specified in their State
or Local plan.

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 29666 , June 1, 1998; 65 FR 7640 , Feb. 15, 2000; 65 FR 30001 , May 10, 2000; 67 FR 18510 , Apr. 16, 2002;
70 FR 71037 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.54 EAS operation during a National Level emergency.

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(a) The EAS Operating Handbook summarizes the procedures to be followed upon
receipt of a National level EAN or EAT Message.

(b) Immediately upon receipt of an EAN message, EAS Participants must:

(1) Monitor the two EAS sources assigned in the State or Local Area plan or
FCC Mapbook for any further instructions. SDARS licensees and DBS providers
may choose their two EAS sources, one of which must be a PEP station.

(2) Discontinue normal programming and follow the transmission procedures in
the appropriate section of the EAS Operating Handbook. Announcements may be
made in the same language as the primary language of the EAS Participant.

(i) Key EAS sources (National Primary (NP), Local Primary (LP), State
Primary (SP), State Relay (SR) and Participating National (PN) sources)
follow the transmission procedures and make the announcements in the
National Level Instructions of the EAS Operating Handbook.

(ii) Non-participating National (NN) sources follow the transmission
procedures and make the sign-off announcement in the EAS Operating
Handbook's National Level Instructions section for NN sources. After the
sign-off announcement, NN sources are required to remove their carriers or
services from the air and monitor for the Emergency Action Termination
message. NN sources using automatic interrupt under §11.51(m)(1), must
transmit the header codes, Attention Signal, sign-off announcement and EOM
code after receiving the appropriate EAS header codes for a national
emergency.

(3) After completing the above transmission procedures, key EAS and
Participating National sources must transmit a common emergency message
until receipt of the Emergency Action Termination Message. Message
priorities are specified in §11.44. If LP or SR sources of a Local Area
cannot provide an emergency message feed, any source in the Local Area may
elect to provide a message feed. This should be done in an organized manner
as designated in State and Local Area EAS Plans.

(4) The Standby Script shall be used until emergency messages are available.
The text of the Standby Script is in the EAS Operating Handbook's section
for Participating sources.

(5) Analog and digital TV broadcast stations shall display an appropriate
EAS slide and then transmit all EAS announcements visually and aurally as
specified in §§11.51(a) through (e) and 73.1250(h) of this chapter.

(6) Analog cable systems, digital cable systems, and wireless cable systems
shall transmit all EAS announcements visually and aurally as specified in
§11.51(g) and (h).

(7) DBS providers shall transmit all EAS announcements visually and aurally
as specified in §11.51(j).

(8) Announcements may be made in the same language as the primary language
of the EAS participant.

(9) Analog and digital broadcast stations may transmit their call letters
and analog cable systems, digital cable systems and wireless cable systems
may transmit the names of the communities they serve during an EAS
activation. State and Local Area identifications must be given as provided
in State and Local Area EAS plans.

(10) All analog and digital broadcast stations and analog cable systems,
digital cable systems and wireless cable systems operating and identified
with a particular EAS Local Area must transmit a common national emergency
message until receipt of the Emergency Action Termination.

(11) Analog and digital broadcast stations, except those holding an EAS
Non-participating National Authorization letter, are exempt from complying
with §§73.62 and 73.1560 of this chapter (operating power maintenance) while
operating under this part.

(12) National Primary (NP) sources must operate under the procedures in the
National Control Point Procedures.

(13) The time of receipt of the EAN and Emergency Action Termination
messages shall be entered by analog and digital broadcast stations in their
logs (as specified in §§73.1820 and 73.1840 of this chapter), by analog and
digital cable systems in their records (as specified in §76.1711 of this
chapter), by subject wireless cable systems in their records (as specified
in §21.304 of this chapter), and by all other EAS Participants in their
records as specified in §11.35(a).

(c) Upon receipt of an Emergency Action Termination Message, EAS
Participants must follow the termination procedures in the EAS Operating
Handbook.

(d) EAS Participants originating emergency communications under this section
shall be considered to have conferred rebroadcast authority, as required by
section 325(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. 325(a), to other
EAS Participants.

(e) During a national level EAS emergency, EAS Participants may transmit in
lieu of the EAS audio feed an audio feed of the President's voice message
from an alternative source, such as a broadcast network audio feed.

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 29666 , June 1, 1998; 63 FR 39035 , July 21, 1998; 65 FR 21658 , Apr. 24, 2000; 65 FR 53614 , Sept. 5,
2000; 67 FR 18511 , Apr. 16, 2002; 70 FR 71037 , Nov. 25, 2005]

§ 11.55 EAS operation during a State or Local Area emergency.

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(a) The EAS may be activated at the State and Local Area levels by EAS
Participants at their discretion for day-to-day emergency situations posing
a threat to life and property. Examples of natural emergencies which may
warrant activation are: Tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, heavy
snows, icing conditions, widespread fires, etc. Man-made emergencies may
include: toxic gas leaks or liquid spills, widespread power failures,
industrial explosions, and civil disorders.

(1) DBS providers shall pass through all EAS messages aired on local
television broadcast stations carried by DBS providers under the
Commission's broadcast signal carriage rules to subscribers receiving those
channels.

(2) SDARS licensees and DBS providers may participate in EAS at the state
and local level and make their systems capable of receiving and transmitting
state and local level EAS messages on all channels. If an SDARS licensee or
DBS provider is not capable of receiving and transmitting state and local
EAS message on all channels, it must inform its subscribers, on its website
and in writing on an annual basis, of which channels are and are not capable
of supplying state and local messages.

(b) EAS operations must be conducted as specified in State and Local Area
EAS Plans. The plans must list all authorized entities participating in the
State or Local Area EAS.

(c) Immediately upon receipt of a State or Local Area EAS message, EAS
Participants participating in the State or Local Area EAS must do the
following:

(1) State Relay (SR) sources monitor the State Relay Network or follow the
State EAS plan for instructions from the State Primary (SP) source.

(2) Local Primary (LP) sources monitor the Local Area SR sources or follow
the State EAS plan for instructions.

(3) Participating National (PN) and Non-participating National (NN) sources
monitor the Local Area LP sources for instructions.

(4) EAS Participants participating in the State or Local Area EAS must
discontinue normal programming and follow the procedures in the State and
Local Area plans. Analog and digital television broadcast stations must
comply with §11.54(b)(5); analog cable systems, digital cable systems, and
wireless cable systems must comply with §11.54(b)(6); and DBS providers must
comply with §11.54(b)(7). EAS Participants providing foreign language
programming should comply with §11.54(b)(8).

(5) Upon completion of the State or Local Area EAS transmission procedures,
resume normal programming until receipt of the cue from the SR or LP sources
in your Local Area. At that time begin transmitting the common emergency
message received from the above sources.

(6) Resume normal operations upon conclusion of the message.

(7) The times of the above EAS actions must be entered in the EAS
Participants' records as specified in §§11.35(a) and 11.54(b)(13).

(8) Use of the EAS codes or Attention Signal automatically grants
rebroadcast authority as specified in §11.54(d).

[ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 29666 , June 1, 1998; 65 FR 21658 , Apr. 24, 2000; 67 FR 18511 , Apr. 16, 2002; 70 FR 71037 , Nov. 25,
2005]

Subpart E—Tests

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§ 11.61 Tests of EAS procedures.

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(a) EAS Participants shall conduct tests at regular intervals, as specified
in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section. Additional tests may be
performed anytime. EAS activations and special tests may be performed in
lieu of required tests as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section. All
tests will conform with the procedures in the EAS Operating Handbook.

(1) Required Monthly Tests of the EAS header codes, Attention Signal, Test
Script and EOM code.

(i) Tests in odd numbered months shall occur between 8:30 a.m. and local
sunset. Tests in even numbered months shall occur between local sunset and
8:30 a.m. They will originate from Local or State Primary sources. The time
and script content will be developed by State Emergency Communications
Committees in cooperation with affected EAS Participants. Script content may
be in the primary language of the EAS Participant. These monthly tests must
be transmitted within 60 minutes of receipt by EAS Participants in an EAS
Local Area or State. Analog and digital class D non-commercial educational
FM and analog and digital LPTV stations are required to transmit only the
test script.

(ii) Effective May 31, 2007, DBS providers must comply with this section by
monitoring a state or local primary source to participate in testing. Tests
should be performed on 10% of all channels monthly (excluding
local-into-local channels for which the monthly transmission tests are
passed through by the DBS provider), with channels tested varying from month
to month, so that over the course of a given year, 100% of all channels are
tested.

(2) Required Weekly Tests:

(i) EAS Header Codes and EOM Codes:

(A) Analog and digital AM, FM, and TV broadcast stations must conduct tests
of the EAS header and EOM codes at least once a week at random days and
times. Effective December 31, 2006, DAB stations must conduct these tests on
all audio streams. Effective December 31, 2006, DTV stations must conduct
these tests on all program streams.

(B) Analog cable systems and digital cable systems with 5,000 or more
subscribers per headend and wireless cable systems with 5,000 or more
subscribers must conduct tests of the EAS Header and EOM Codes at least once
a week at random days and times on all programmed channels.

(C) Analog cable systems and digital cable systems serving fewer than 5,000
subscribers per headend and wireless cable systems with fewer than 5,000
subscribers must conduct tests of the EAS Header and EOM Codes at least once
a week at random days and times on at least one programmed channel.

(D) SDARS providers must conduct tests of the EAS Header and EOM codes at
least once a week at random days and times on all channels.

(ii) DBS providers, analog and digital class D non-commercial educational FM
stations, and analog and digital LPTV stations are not required to transmit
this test but must log receipt, as specified in §§11.35(a) and 11.54(b)(13).

(iii) The EAS weekly test is not required during the week that a monthly
test is conducted.

(iv) EAS Participants are not required to transmit a video message when
transmitting the required weekly test.

(3) Periodic National Tests . National Primary (NP) sources shall
participate in tests as appropriate. The FCC may request a report of these
tests.

(4) EAS activations and special tests . The EAS may be activated for
emergencies or special tests at the State or Local Area level by an EAS
Participant instead of the monthly or weekly tests required by this section.
To substitute for a monthly test, activation must include transmission of
the EAS header codes, Attention Signal, emergency message and EOM code and
comply with the visual message requirements in §11.51. To substitute for the
weekly test of the EAS header codes and EOM codes in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of
this section, activation must include transmission of the EAS header and EOM
codes. Analog and digital television broadcast stations, analog cable
systems, digital cable systems, wireless cable systems, and DBS providers
shall comply with the aural and visual message requirements in §11.51.
Special EAS tests at the State and Local Area levels may be conducted on
daily basis following procedures in State and Local Area EAS plans.

(b) Entries shall be made in EAS Participant records, as specified in
§§11.35(a) and 11.54(b)(13).

[ 70 FR 71038 , Nov. 25, 2005]
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