47 C.F.R. Subpart D—Emergency Operations
Title 47 - Telecommunication
Link to an amendment published at 70 FR 71035, Nov. 25, 2005. (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. (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, Low Power FM (LPFM) stations as defined in §§73.811 and 73.853 of this chapter, and low power TV (LPTV) 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. (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), 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) 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: (1) Install, operate, and maintain equipment capable of generating the EAS codes. The modulation levels for the EAS codes and Attention Signal shall comply with the aural signal requirements in §76.605 of this chapter, (2) 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) Cable systems and wireless cable systems 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) Cable systems and wireless cable systems may elect not to interrupt EAS messages from broadcast stations based upon a written agreement between all concerned. Further, 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 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) 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: (1) Install, operate, and maintain equipment capable of generating the EAS codes. The modulation levels for the EAS codes and Attention Signal for cable systems shall comply with the aural signal requirements in §76.605 of this chapter. This will provide sufficient signal levels to operate cable subscriber television and radio receivers equipped with EAS decoders and to audibly alert subscribers. Wireless 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) The cable systems and wireless cable systems in this paragraph (h) shall transmit the EAS audio message required in paragraph (a) of this section on all downstream channels. (3) The cable systems and wireless cable systems in this paragraph (h) 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. (4) Cable systems and wireless cable systems may elect not to interrupt EAS messages from broadcast stations based upon a written agreement between all concerned. Further, 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 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) 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). 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, 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. (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. (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 include the minimum information required for EAS video messages. (l) Broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems 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. (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. [59 FR 67092, Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 56000, Nov. 6, 1995; 63 FR 29664, June 1, 1998; 65 FR 7639, Feb. 15, 2000; 67 FR 18510, Apr. 16, 2002; 70 FR 19315, Apr. 13, 2005]
Link to an amendment published at 70 FR 71036, Nov. 25, 2005. (a) Before January 1, 1998, broadcast stations must be capable to 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 to paragraph (b) If manual interrupt is used as authorized in §11.51(j)(2), 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. (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) Broadcast station and cable system and wireless cable system management shall determine which header codes will automatically interrupt their programming for State and Local Area emergency situations affecting their audiences. (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. (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. 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. [59 FR 67092, Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 56000, Nov. 6, 1995; 63 FR 29665, June 1, 1998; 67 FR 18510, Apr. 16, 2002]
Link to an amendment published at 70 FR 71037, Nov. 25, 2005. 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: (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) 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. [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]
Link to an amendment published at 70 FR 71037, Nov. 25, 2005. (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, broadcast stations and cable systems and wireless cable systems must: (1) Monitor the two EAS sources assigned in the State or Local Area plan or FCC Mapbook for any further instructions. (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 station. (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 from the air and monitor for the Emergency Action Termination message. NN sources using automatic interrupt under §11.51(k)(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) TV broadcast stations shall display an appropriate EAS slide and then transmit all EAS announcements visually and aurally as specified in §73.1250(h) of this chapter. (6) Cable systems and wireless cable systems shall transmit all EAS announcements visually and aurally as specified in §11.51(g) and (h). (7) Announcements may be made in the same language as the primary language of the station. (8) Broadcast stations may transmit their call letters and 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. (9) All broadcast stations and 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. (10) 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. (11) National Primary (NP) sources must operate under the procedures in the National Control Point Procedures. (12) The time of receipt of the EAN and Emergency Action Termination messages shall be entered by broadcast stations in their logs (as specified in §§73.1820 and 73.1840 of this chapter), by cable systems in their records (as specified in §76.305 of this chapter), and by subject wireless cable systems in their records (as specified in §21.304 of this chapter). (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. (e) During a national level EAS emergency, broadcast stations 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]
Link to an amendment published at 70 FR 71037, Nov. 25, 2005. (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. (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: (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) Broadcast stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems participating in the State or Local Area EAS must discontinue normal programming and follow the procedures in the State and Local Area plans. Television stations must comply with §11.54(b)(5) and cable systems and wireless cable systems must comply with §11.54(b)(6). Broadcast stations providing foreign language programming shall comply with §11.54(b)(7). (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 broadcast station, cable system or wireless cable system records as specified in §11.54(b)(12). (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]
Title 47: Telecommunication
PART 11—EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS)
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.
