EAS EAS History and Legislation

Question 1

What system did the Emergency Alert System (EAS) replace when it was established in 1997?

Accepted Answer

Emergency Broadcast System (EBS)

Answer

CONELRAD (Control of Electromagnetic Radiation)

Answer

National Warning System (NAWAS)

Answer

Broadcast Emergency Network (BEN)

Question 2

In what year did the FCC officially implement the Emergency Alert System?

Accepted Answer

1997

Answer

1963

Answer

1988

Answer

2002

Question 3

What Cold War-era system did the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) directly replace in 1963?

Accepted Answer

CONELRAD (Control of Electromagnetic Radiation)

Answer

NAWAS

Answer

Civil Defense Radio Network

Answer

National Alert Radio

Question 4

Which federal law gave FEMA authority to develop the national public alert and warning system?

Accepted Answer

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015

Answer

Communications Act of 1934

Answer

Homeland Security Act of 2002

Answer

Emergency Alert Improvement Act of 1994

Question 5

What historical event in the early 1990s accelerated the push to replace the EBS with a more capable system?

Accepted Answer

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 exposed EBS failures to timely warn the public

Answer

The 1990 Gulf War requiring rapid national mobilization

Answer

The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995

Answer

A major earthquake that exposed EBS relay chain failures

Question 6

What was the original purpose of CONELRAD, established in 1951?

Accepted Answer

To prevent enemy aircraft from using broadcast signals for navigation during a nuclear attack

Answer

To coordinate civilian evacuation routes via radio

Answer

To alert citizens of incoming weather disasters

Answer

To provide a backup communication network for the President