FEMA and the FCC have scheduled a National EAS Test for November 17, 2026.
FEMA will transmit the nationwide test of the EAS at 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on November 17, using the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). If conditions on that date require the rescheduling of the test, it will be conducted on December 3, 2026
The test will be disseminated in English and Spanish as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message using the Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System (NPT) event code. The test message audio and text, which is designed to be identical to the greatest extent possible, is as follows: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 2:20 to 2:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”
It is mandatory for stations to have the latest firmware loaded in your EAS equipment. The required firmware version for Sage Endec’s is 96.00 or higher and for DasDec’s is 54.00 or higher.
The ETRS deadlines are:
- All EAS Participants must submit their annual ETRS Form One for calendar year 2026 no later than October 30, 2026.
- All EAS Participants must file ETRS Form Two within 48 hours of the nationwide test. The deadline for Form Two filings is 2:20 pm ET on November 19, 2026, or, if the test is conducted on the alternative date, 2:20 pm ET on December 5, 2026.
- All EAS Participants must file ETRS Form Three to provide detailed post-test data within 45 days following the nationwide test, which will be on or before January 4, 2027, or, if the test is conducted on the alternative date, on or before January 18, 2027.
Radio World Magazine has published this very helpful guide to assist in your participation and filing requirements.