LYNDONVILLE, N.Y. -- Oct. 27, 2011 -- To ensure that DASDEC(TM) EAS (Emergency Alert System) encoder/decoder users are prepared for the FEMA and FCC test of conventional EAS, scheduled for Nov. 9, Digital Alert Systems has published a straightforward and accessible white paper, titled "Preparing for the National EAS Test: Information and Preparation for DASDEC Users," at www.digitalalertsystems.com/pdf/wpdas-119_2_0.pdf. This national test is conducted only to verify the conventional EAS and will not involve the new CAP (Common Alerting Protocol) capabilities.
The Nov. 9 test will be the first national EAS test ever conducted and will consist of a single broadcast EAN (Emergency Action Notification) message sent simultaneously from a FEMA Operations Center to Primary Entry Point (PEP) AM/FM radio stations across the country. These PEP stations will relay the EAN message to other broadcasters and cablecasters in their coverage area, as well as directly to the public.
Broadcasters are expected to monitor and receive the message from at least two sources (in most cases the PEP and an LP-1 or LP-2 station) in accordance with state EAS plans and to broadcast the message to the public in their area. The nationwide EAS test will affect all U.S. broadcast and radio stations, which must participate and report the results of the test back to the FCC within 45 days. The Digital Alert Systems white paper offers fundamental information about this EAS test, as well as instruction on operations during an actual emergency.
DASDEC units are factory-ready for the test and will require no human intervention whether running in manual or automatic mode. Facilities that have been running the Required Monthly Test (RMT) successfully on all program streams should experience no issues with their current wiring configurations or settings.
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About Digital Alert Systems
Digital Alert Systems is a leading innovator of next-generation Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and Emergency Alert Systems (EAS). The company was formed in October 2003 to increase the effectiveness of emergency communications and merged with Monroe Electronics in October 2009. Based in Lyndonville, N.Y., Monroe Electronics provides R&D, manufacturing, sales, and customer service for the Digital Alert Systems brand. The company continues to retain its hard-earned reputation for quality, reliability, innovation, and service to valued customers around the world. More information is available at www.digitalalertsystems.com.
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