- (1) a "wireless cable system" is a collection of channels in the MDS, MMDS, or ITFS 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 above. 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, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), 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.
(b) The Emergency Action Termination (EAT) is the notice to all broadcast stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems, other regulated services of the FCC, participating industry entities, and to the general public that the EAN has terminated.
(b) The PEP system is a nationwide network of broadcast
stations connected with government activation points. It can
also be used to distribute EAN and EAT.
(a) Red Envelope Authenticator List. This list is used for
authentication purposes in accordance with instructions in the
EAS Operating Handbook and National Control Point Procedures. It
is issued to all broadcast stations and specified control points
of the radio and television networks, cable networks and program
suppliers, common carriers, wire services and other specified
entities. A current copy of this list must be located in the
pocket on the inside front cover of the EAS Operating Handbook.
This list should be opened only to authenticate receipt of an EAN message and an EAT message from the above control points. The FCC may request immediate return of the Red Envelope at any time.
(b) White Envelope Authenticator List. This list is used for caller identification purposes in accordance with instructions in the National Control Point Procedures. It is issued only to specified control points.
(c) NIC Authenticator List. This booklet is used for
authentication purposes in accordance with instructions in the National Control Point Procedures. It is issued only to participating control points.
(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 relay 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 of this
part. They may transmit EAS State or Local Area messages at any
time without prior notice.
(a) The State plan contains procedures for State emergency management and other State officials,
the NWS, and broadcast and cable 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.
(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.
(b) The ASCII dash and plus symbols are required and may not be used for any other purpose. Unused characters must be ASCII space characters. 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.
(d) The only originator codes are: (e) The following Event (EEE) codes are presently
authorized: (f) The State and Territory FIPS number codes (SS) are as follows. County FIPS numbers (CCC) are contained in the State EAS Mapbook.
(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.
(b) Attention Signal. EAS Decoders at broadcast stations
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 broadcast receiver demuting shall comply with the
following:
(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).
(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 at a
broadcast station or subject cable system, but are not offered
for sale will be considered on an individual basis in accordance
with Part 1, Subpart G, of this chapter.
(b) If the EAS Encoder or EAS Decoder becomes defective, the broadcast station, cable system or wireless cable system 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 or wireless cable system station records 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 broadcast station, cable system or wireless cable system 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.
(b) A broadcast station and cable system and wireless cable system may submit a written request to the FCC asking to be a Non-Participating National (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.
(c) All sources, including NN, must have immediate access to an EAS Operating Handbook. They should contact the FCC to ensure that they are on the FCC EAS mailing list. Broadcast stations must also have a current copy of the Red Envelope Authenticator List.
(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
program suppliers to their original configurations.
(c) During a National level EAS Closed Circuit Test, common
carriers which have facilities in place may, without charge,
connect an originating source from the nearest service area to a
selected Test Center and then to the radio networks and, if
participating, any television networks and cable networks and
program suppliers. Independent stations will not be connected
during the test unless authorized by the FCC. Upon test
termination, 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.
(a) Radio Networks.
(b) Television Networks.
(c) Cable Program Suppliers.
(d) Wire Services.
(d) Common Carriers.
(e) Entities that wish to voluntarily participate in the
national level EAS may submit a written request to the FCC.
(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 radio and television
broadcast network program distribution facilities 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.
(b) Other technologies and public service providers, such as DBS, low earth orbiting satellites, etc., that wish to participate in the EAS may contact the FCC's EAS office or their State Emergency Communication Committee for information and guidance.
(b) When relaying EAS messages, broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems
may transmit only the EAS header codes and the EOM code without the Attention Signal and emergency message for State and local emergencies. Television stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems should ensure that pauses in video programming before EAS message transmission do 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) Effective January 1, 1997, all radio and television stations shall transmit EAS messages in the main audio channel.
(d) By the above date, television 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) Class D non-commercial educational FM stations as defined in § 73.506 of this chapter and low power TV stations as defined in § 74.701(f) of this chapter are not required to have equipment capable of generating the EAS codes and Attention Signal specified in § 11.31 of this part.
(f) Broadcast station equipment generating the EAS codes and the Attention Signal shall modulate a broadcast station transmitter so that the signal broadcast to other broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 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) of this part, shall modulate the transmitter at no less than 80% 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) Effective October 1, 2002, 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, cable systems and wireless cable systems must:
(h) Effective December 31, 1998, cable systems with 10,000 or more subscribers; and, effective
October 1, 2002, 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, after the dates indicated, these cable systems and wireless cable systems
must:
(i) If manual interrupt is used as authorized in paragraph (k) of this section, EAS Encoders must
be located so that broadcast station, cable system or wireless cable system staff, at normal duty
locations, can initiate the EAS code and Attention Signal transmission.
(j) Broadcast stations, and cable systems and wireless cable systems 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 cable systems or
wireless cable systems with one EAS Encoder. The requirements of
§ 11.32 must be met by the combined facility.
(k) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 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 broadcast station,
cable system, wireless cable system, or other entity retransmitting the message. See 11.31(c) of this
part. If an EAS source originates an EAS message with the above Event codes, it must include the
location codes for the State and counties in its service area. When transmitting the required weekly
test, broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems shall use the event code RWT.
The location codes are the state and county for the broadcast station city of license or cable system or
wireless cable system community or city. Other location codes may be included upon approval of
broadcast station, cable system or wireless cable system management. EAS messages may be
transmitted automatically or manually.
(l) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems may employ a minimum delay
feature, not to exceed 15 minutes, for automatic interrupt of EAS codes. However, this may not be
used for the EAN Event which must be transmitted immediately.
(m) Either manual or automatic operation of EAS equipment may be used at broadcast stations and
cable systems and wireless cable systems 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. Broadcast stations and cable
systems and wireless cable systems may change back and forth between automatic and manual
operation.
(b) If manual interrupt is used as authorized in § 11.51(k)(2) of this part, decoders must be located so that operators at their normal duty stations at broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless
cable systems can be alerted immediately when EAS messages are received.
(c) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 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) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 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.
(e) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 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.
(a) National Level. The EAN is issued by the White House.
The EAN message is sent from an origination point to control
points of the participating radio and television networks, cable
networks and program suppliers, wire services, communications
common carriers and other entities. It is then disseminated via:
(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) 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 any of the following
methods:
(b) Immediately upon receipt of an EAN message, broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems must:
(c) Upon receipt of an Emergency Action Termination Message, broadcast stations and cable
systems and wireless cable systems must follow the termination procedures in the EAS Operating Handbook.
(d) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 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 participating broadcast stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems.
(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, broadcast stations, cable
systems and wireless cable systems participating in the State or Local Area EAS must do the following:
(a) Tests shall be made at regular intervals as indicated
below. Additional tests may be performed anytime. EAS
activations and special tests may be performed in lieu of
required tests as specified in paragraph (a)(6) of this section.
All tests will conform with the procedures in the
EAS Operating Handbook.
(b) Entries shall be made in broadcast station and cable system and wireless cable system records as specified in § 11.54(b)(14) of this part concerning EAS tests received and transmitted. [Editor's note: The reference to § 11.54(b)(14) appears to be in error. It should be to § 11.54(b)(15).]
(a) Closed Circuit Tests (CCT) of National Level EAS
facilities shall be conducted on a random or scheduled basis not
more than once a month and not less than once every three months.
Test times will be selected by the White House in coordination
with participating industry personnel, the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), and the FCC. The FCC will notify the
participating networks, wire services, cable networks and program
suppliers and common carriers of the selected time window for the
test at least four working days (holidays excluded) before the
test.
(b) The EAS Operating Handbook and National Control Point
Procedures contain the CCT procedures.
(c) The control points of the participating radio and
television networks, cable networks and program suppliers, wire
services and common carriers will receive notification of a CCT
by a "Closed Circuit Test Activation Message".
(d) Test announcements will originate from a point selected
by the White House with program feed circuitry connected to the
telephone company Toll Test Center at points coordinated for each
test. Participating common carriers will connect, as required,
the facilities of the radio networks and other test participants.
Telephone companies are not authorized to add any participating
independent broadcast stations unless authorized by the FCC.
Authentication will be provided to the Toll Test Center or other
program entry location responsible for test arrangements.
Authentication used in the CCT Message will be the test words on
the outside of the Red Envelope Authenticator List.
(e) CCT procedures for radio network affiliates, wire
service subscribers, and, if participating, television network
affiliates and cable systems are as follows:
(f) The FCC may request a CCT report in a prescribed format.
The links above are to text versions. The documents are also available in Word 6.0 and WordPerfect 5.1 format. See the FCC's "EAS Report and Orders" page at http://www.fcc.gov/cib/eas/document.htm.
[Editor's note: § 11.11 revised in FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995, and FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
§ 11.12 Two-tone Attention Signal Encoder and Decoder.
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.
[Editor's note: Section 11.12 revised in FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995]
§ 11.13 Emergency Action Notification (EAN) and Emergency
Action Termination (EAT).
(a) The Emergency Action Notification (EAN) is the notice to all broadcast stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems, other regulated services of the FCC, participating industry entities, and to the general public that the EAS has been activated for a national emergency.
[Editor's note: § 11.13 revised in FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
§ 11.14 EAN Network and Primary Entry Point (PEP) System.
(a) The EAN network is a dedicated communications service
connecting industry networks, wire services and common carriers
with government activation points. It is used to distribute EAN
and EAT messages. The industry control locations retransmit the
EAN message, the Presidential message, and the EAT message on
their facilities to their affiliates.
§ 11.15 EAS Operating Handbook.
The EAS Operating Handbook states in summary form the actions to be taken by personnel at broadcast stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems, and other participating entities 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.
[Editor's note: § 11.15 revised in FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
§ 11.16 National Control Point Procedures.
(a) The National Control Point Procedures are written
instructions issued by the FCC to national level EAS control
points. They are for use by the participating radio and
television networks, cable networks and program suppliers, common
carriers and wire services. The procedures are divided into
sections as follows:
§ 11.17 Authenticator Word Lists.
There are three lists issued by the FCC annually. The lists
are to be used by EAS participants to ensure that the National
level alerts and tests are legitimate. The lists must be used in
accordance with directions in the EAS Operating Handbook and the
National Control Point Procedures. LPTV stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems do not receive authenticator lists.
[Editor's note: FCC discontinued distribution of red envelopes. See Public Notice, September 3. 1998.]
[Editor's note: § 11.17 revised in FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
§ 11.18 EAS Designations.
(a) National Primary (NP) is a source of EAS Presidential
messages.
§ 11.19 EAS Non-participating National Authorization Letter.
This authorization letter is issued by the FCC to broadcast station licensees and cable systems and
wireless cable systems. It states that the licensee, cable operator or wireless cable operator has agreed
to go off the air or in the case of cable discontinue programming on all channels during a national
level EAS message. For Broadcast 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.
[Editor's note: § 11.19 revised in FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
§ 11.20 State Relay Network.
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.
EAS plans contain guidelines which must be followed by broadcast and cable personnel, emergency officials and National Weather Service (NWS) personnel to activate the EAS. The plans include the EAS header code and messages that will be transmitted by key EAS sources (NP, LP, SP, and SR). State and local plans may contain unique methods of EAS message distribution such as the use of RBDS. The plans must be reviewed and approved by the Chief, Compliance and Information Bureau prior to implementation to ensure that they are consistent with national plans, FCC regulations, and EAS operation.
[Editor's note: Section 11.21 revised in FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995 and FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
Subpart B - Equipment Requirements
§ 11.31 EAS protocol.
[Editor's note: Section 11.31 paragraph
(a)(1) revised in FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995]
[Editor's note: Section 11.31 paragraph (b) revised in FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995 and FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
[PREAMBLE]ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT-JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL-
(one second pause)
[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
(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 is 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 Central, 3 = Northeast, 4 = West Central, 5 = Central, 6 = East Central, 7 = Southwest, 8 = South Central, 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 broadcast station, cable system, MDS/MMDS/ITFS station, 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. [Editor's note: Section 11.31 paragraph (c) revised, FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995 and FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997]
Originator ORG Code
Emergency Action
Notification Network EAN
Primary Entry Point
System PEP
National Weather Service WXR
Civil authorities CIV
Broadcast station
or cable system EAS Nature of Activation EVENT CODES National Codes: 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 Local Codes: Tornado Watch TOA Tornado Warning TOR Severe Thunderstorm Watch SVA Severe Thunderstorm Warning SVR Severe Weather Statement SVS Special Weather Statement SPS Flash Flood Watch FFA Flash Flood Warning FFW Flash Flood Statement FFS Flood Watch FLA Flood Warning FLW Flood Statement FLS Winter Storm Watch WSA Winter Storm Warning WSW Blizzard Warning BZW High Wind Watch HWA High Wind Warning HWW Hurricane Watch HUA Hurricane Warning HUW Hurricane Statement HLS Tsunami Watch TSA Tsunami Warning TSW Evacuation Immediate EVI Civil Emergency Message CEM Practice/Demo Warning DMO Administrative Message ADR State FIPS# State FIPS# State FIPS# State FIPS# State FIPS#
AL 01 HI 15 MA 25 NM 35 SD 46
AK 02 ID 16 MI 26 NY 36 TN 47
AZ 04 IL 17 MN 27 NC 37 TX 48
AR 05 IN 18 MS 28 ND 38 UT 49
CA 06 IA 19 MO 29 OH 39 VT 50
CO 08 KS 20 MT 30 OK 40 VA 51
CT 09 KY 21 NE 31 OR 41 WA 53
DE 10 LA 22 NV 32 PA 42 WV 54
FL 12 ME 23 NH 33 RI 44 WI 55
GA 13 MD 24 NJ 34 SC 45 WY 56
District of Columbia - 11
Terr. FIPS# Terr. FIPS# Terr. FIPS# Terr. FIPS# Terr. FIPS#
AS 60 FM 64 GU 66 MH 68 MP 69
PR 72 PW 70 UM 74 VI 78 § 11.32 EAS Encoder.
(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:
§ 11.33 EAS Decoder.
(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:
[Editor's note: Section 11.33 paragraphs
(a)(3)(i), (a)(3)(ii), (a)(5), (a)(5)(ii),
(a)(9), (a)(11) and paragraph (b)(2) amended, FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995]
§ 11.34 Acceptability of the equipment.
(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.
[Editor's note: Section 11.34 paragraphs (c) amended, FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995]
§ 11.35 Equipment operational readiness.
(a) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 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, broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems must determine the cause of any failure to receive the required tests or activations specified in § § 11.61(a)(1) and (2). Appropriate entries must be made in the broadcast station log as specified in § 73.1820 and § 73.1840 of this chapter, cable system record as specified in § 76.305 of this chapter, MDS/MMDS station records as specified in § 21.304 of this chapter, indicating reasons why any tests
were not received.
[Editor's note: Section 11.35 revised, FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997]
Subpart C - Organization
§ 11.41 Participation in EAS.
(a) All broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems specified in § 11.11 are categorized as Participating National (PN) sources unless authorized by the FCC to be a Non-Participating (NN) sources.
[Editor's note: FCC discontinued distribution of red envelopes. See Public Notice, September 3. 1998.]
[Editor's note: Section 11.41 revised, FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997]
§ 11.42 Participation by communications common carriers.
(a) During activation of the National level EAS,
communications common carriers which have facilities available in
place may, without charge, connect:
§ 11.43 National level participation.
The industry entities voluntarily participating in the
national level EAS are:
§ 11.44 EAS message priorities.
§ 11.45 Prohibition of false or deceptive EAS
transmissions.
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.
Broadcast stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems may use Public Service
Announcements or obtain commercial sponsors for announcements, infomercials, or programs explaining the EAS to the public.
[Editor's note: Section 11.46 revised, FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997]
§ 11.47 Optional use of other communications methods and systems.
(a) Broadcast stations may additionally transmit EAS messages through other
communications means than the main audio channel. 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.
[Editor's note: Section 11.47 added, FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995]
Subpart D - Emergency Operations
§ 11.51 EAS code and Attention Signal Transmission requirements.
(a) 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) 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 signalling requirement for National level messages and tests.
[Editor's note: Section 11.51 amended, FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995 and FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
§ 11.52 EAS code and Attention Signal Monitoring requirements.
(a) Before January 1, 1998, broadcast stations 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. Effective January 1, 1997, all broadcast stations 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. The effective dates for cable and wireless cable systems to install and operate EAS
equipment are set forth in § 11.11. NOTE: after January 1, 1998, the two-tone Attention Signal will not be used to actuate two-tone decoders but will be used as an aural alert signal.
[Editor's note: Section 11.52 paragraph
(a) amended, FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995]
[Editor's note: Section 11.52 amended, FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
§ 11.53 Dissemination of Emergency Action Notification.
Initiation of the EAN by any one of the following sources is sufficient to begin the emergency actions in § 11.54 of this part.
[Editor's note: Section 11.53 amended, FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
§ 11.54 EAS operation during a National Level emergency.
(a) The EAS Operating Handbook summarizes the procedures to
be followed upon receipt of a National level EAN or EAT Message.
[Editor's note: FCC discontinued distribution of red envelopes. See Public Notice, September 3. 1998.]
[Editor's note: Section 11.54 amended, FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
§ 11.55 EAS operation during a State or Local Area emergency.
(a) The EAS may be activated at the State and Local Area levels by broadcast stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems 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.
[Editor's note: Section 11.55 amended, FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997.]
Subpart E - Tests
§ 11.61 Tests of EAS procedures.
[Editor's note: Section 11.61 amended, FCC 95-420, October 23, 1995 and FCC 97-338, adopted: September 24, 1997]
§ 11.62 Closed Circuit Tests of National Level EAS facilities.
[Editor's note: FCC discontinued distribution of red envelopes. See Public Notice, September 3. 1998.]
[Editor's note: FCC discontinued distribution of red envelopes. See Public Notice, September 3. 1998.]
Revision history:
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