Yesterday’s National EAS Test was a mixed bag of good and bad. The test was delivered successfully to both the Primary Entry Point (PEP) stations and via the National Public Radio (NPR) Squawk Channel, a background channel used to supplement the feed of the over-the-air PEP stations. Unfortunately most areas of the country reported there were issues with double audio being delivered, with a second EAS Header Code starting about 15 seconds into the alert and double audio continuing for the duration of the 30-second test. While some PEP stations reported the test sounded fine, other PEP stations sent the EAS Header Code but had no audio of the test in states such as Minnesota and Indiana, and other PEP stations such as the one in Utah never received the test.

It was also reported that the system used for originating the test at FEMA had a clock that was apparently running 3 minutes fast, as the test was issued at 2:00PM ET but the time stamp said it was issued at 2:03PM ET. While it seems FEMA has some issues to iron out with the test origination, there were positive reports from many states across the country that received the test and forwarded it out to all stations in the state properly. So while the audio was less than desirable, it is encouraging to hear of many states that have a well-functioning State EAS Network which will be ready to relay a no doubt cleaner test the next time around.

Speaking of what comes next, FEMA Assistant Administrator Damon Penn did a blog post after the test and he details what the future holds for EAS testing. See his post at: http://blog.fema.gov/2011/11/emergency-alert-system-has-been-tested.html He invites all interested parties to submit their reaction to the test and any suggestions for improvement to FEMA at: ipaws@dhs.gov Broadcasters and cable operators are reminded they must now fill out Forms 2 and 3 at the FCC Nationwide EAS Test website: www.fcc.gov/nationwideeastest