The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that allows the President of the United States to address the nation during a crisis. It is also used by state and local authorities to send important emergency information, such as weather alerts, AMBER alerts, and other critical public safety messages.

Key Features of the EAS:

• Nationwide Coverage: Works across radio, television, cable, and satellite systems.

• Presidential Alerts: Can be used by the President for national emergencies.

• State & Local Alerts: Used for weather warnings, public safety alerts, and other emergencies.

• Automatic Activation: Alerts can be broadcast immediately when necessary.

How It Works:

• The system uses a hierarchical relay system, where primary stations receive alerts first and distribute them to other broadcasters.

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manage and oversee the system.

Why It Matters:

The EAS ensures timely, reliable communication during emergencies, keeping the public informed and safe. It operates alongside the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system, which delivers messages directly to mobile devices.

For more details, read the full fact sheet here:
🔗 Emergency Alert System (EAS) Fact Sheet (PDF)