Welcome to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) page. The EAS system was established by the FCC in November of 1994 with the approval of Part 11 EAS rules. The EAS replaced the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) as a tool the President and others may use to warn the public about emergency situations.

*** NOTICE ***

Commission Seeks Comment on Rule Changes for the Emergency Alert System

EAS HANDBOOKS

The Handbooks are here in Adobe Acrobat format so that when you look at them on your screen or print them out on your printer they will look identical to the FCC's original version regardless of the computer platform, operating system, browser, or fonts that you may be using. To view the Handbooks you must have Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer and configured as a "helper" or "plug-in" application in your browser. If not, you need to download, install, and configure the free Adobe Acrobat Reader Software. AM & FM Handbook TV Handbook Cable Handbook

EAS RULES AND ORDERS

EAS Rules (.pdf) 1994 Report and Order Establishing EAS (13.4 MB pdf) 1997 Second Report and Order (.pdf) 1998 Third Report and Order (includes Cable Override issue) (.pdf) 2002 Report and Order updating Event and Location Codes, Including Amber Alert Codes 2004 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Proposal to Permit Small Digital Wireless Cable Systems to Use Force Tune Technology | Notice in Federal Register | Note: Comments are due May 10, 2004 and reply comments are due May 24, 2004. 2004 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comments on Rules Changes for the Emergency Alert System | Note: Comments are due October 29, 2004 and reply comments are due November 29, 2004.

MORE INFORMATION

Enforcement Actions EAS Fact Sheet State & Local EAS Plans State Chairs & Coordinators Companies that have been Certified to sell EAS equipment (.pdf) E-mail address eas@fcc.gov