National EAS Test Likely This Summer

In 2020, the FCC did not conduct a National EAS Test as it had in the previous 3 years, but we understand that one will be conducted in 2021, probably this summer.  Informally, FEMA has announced that it is planning to conduct a national test similar to the one in 2019.  The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau will be part of the announcement, but has not yet issued any sort of public notice or potential dates.  Usually, a primary and back up test date are announced at the same time.

The 2019 national test happened on August 7^th, with the announcement of the window coming in early June.  A similar timeline might be used this year.  As stations may recall, prior tests required 3 filings with the FCC – one in advance, one on the day of the test, and one after the test. These filings require the use of a CORES username and password, so as preparation, stations may want to locate those now.