Emergency Alert System (EAS) Knowledge Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which EAS event code is used specifically for a Tornado Warning?

TNW
TOW
TWA
TOR (Correct answer)

Correct answer: TOR

TOR is the SAME event code used to designate a Tornado Warning in the EAS system.

Question 2: What advantage does the CAP polygon feature offer over SAME FIPS county codes for geographic targeting?

CAP polygons allow alerts to be issued for regions larger than a state, which FIPS codes cannot do
CAP polygons are recognized by NOAA Weather Radio but FIPS codes are not
CAP polygons transmit faster than FIPS county codes in the SAME audio header
CAP polygons define irregular geographic shapes precisely matching the actual hazard area, while FIPS codes can only target whole counties (Correct answer)

Correct answer: CAP polygons define irregular geographic shapes precisely matching the actual hazard area, while FIPS codes can only target whole counties

CAP's polygon feature allows the alert area to be defined as an exact geographic shape matching the hazard footprint, while FIPS county codes force alerts to cover entire counties even if only a small portion is at risk.

Question 3: What information must be included in an EAS Participant's log for each Required Weekly Test?

The names of all on-duty staff members
Date, time, and whether the test was sent, received, or missed (Correct answer)
Only the date and time
A signed certification from the FCC

Correct answer: Date, time, and whether the test was sent, received, or missed

EAS logs must record the date, time, and the status of each test (conducted, received, or missed) along with reasons for any failures.

Question 4: How does EAS interact with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (NWR) system?

NWR replaces EAS for all weather-related alerts, leaving EAS for non-weather events only
NWR is entirely separate from EAS and does not share any infrastructure
NWR transmitters broadcast EAS alerts on VHF frequencies that EAS encoder/decoders monitor as a primary alert source (Correct answer)
EAS only uses NWR as a backup when broadcast networks are unavailable

Correct answer: NWR transmitters broadcast EAS alerts on VHF frequencies that EAS encoder/decoders monitor as a primary alert source

NOAA Weather Radio transmitters carry EAS-formatted SAME alerts, and EAS participants are required to monitor NWR as one of their primary alert sources.

Question 5: What typically triggers a mandatory update to a state EAS plan?

A significant change in a designated LP station's operations, such as format change or sale (Correct answer)
Annual NOAA Weather Radio frequency reallocations
Any change in local weather patterns
A new FCC Commissioner taking office

Correct answer: A significant change in a designated LP station's operations, such as format change or sale

When a designated LP station undergoes significant operational changes—like a format flip or ownership transfer—the SECC must update the state EAS plan to reflect the new relay network.

Question 6: What does a FIPS code of '000000' (all zeros) in a SAME EAS header indicate?

The alert is a test with no real geographic scope
The alert has no designated geographic area
The alert applies to the entire country (nationwide coverage) (Correct answer)
The FIPS lookup failed and default area is used

Correct answer: The alert applies to the entire country (nationwide coverage)

When the FIPS code is all zeros in a SAME header, it signifies the alert covers the entire United States, used for national-level activations.

Question 7: What event code is used for a Hazardous Materials Warning in the EAS system?

HME
HZW
HMW (Correct answer)
HAZ

Correct answer: HMW

HMW is the EAS event code for Hazardous Materials Warning, used when a chemical or toxic substance release threatens public safety.

Question 8: What responsibility do satellite radio services like SiriusXM have under EAS rules?

They must transmit EAS alerts on their channels when they affect the relevant geographic area (Correct answer)
They only carry Presidential-level EAN alerts
They must simply log when an EAS alert occurs in their coverage area
They are exempt from EAS because they are national broadcasters

Correct answer: They must transmit EAS alerts on their channels when they affect the relevant geographic area

Satellite radio services are EAS Participants and must carry EAS alerts on their channels, particularly for the geographic areas their content serves.

Question 9: What distinguishes an EAS 'watch' alert from an EAS 'warning' alert?

A watch is federal; a warning is local
A watch is issued only at night; a warning is daytime only
A watch means conditions are favorable for the event; a warning means the event is imminent or occurring (Correct answer)
A watch requires viewer action; a warning is informational only

Correct answer: A watch means conditions are favorable for the event; a warning means the event is imminent or occurring

In EAS terminology, a 'watch' indicates conditions are favorable for a hazardous event to develop, while a 'warning' indicates the event is imminent or already happening.

Question 10: Which EAS event code is used for a Tsunami Warning?

TSW (Correct answer)
TNA
TMA
TWW

Correct answer: TSW

TSW is the EAS event code for a Tsunami Warning, used to alert coastal communities of an approaching tsunami.

Question 11: How does the NWS use EAS Public Zone codes compared to FIPS county codes?

NWS zones and FIPS codes are identical in structure and coverage
NWS zones only apply to coastal areas; FIPS codes cover inland areas
NWS zones are used only for national activations; FIPS codes for local ones
NWS zones can cover parts of counties or span multiple counties for weather forecasting areas, while FIPS codes are strictly county-based (Correct answer)

Correct answer: NWS zones can cover parts of counties or span multiple counties for weather forecasting areas, while FIPS codes are strictly county-based

NWS uses forecast zones that may split counties or combine portions of multiple counties for weather-specific areas, while FIPS codes align strictly with county political boundaries.

Question 12: What does a state EAS plan specify about cable systems?

Which cable systems are EAS Participants and what their monitoring and relay obligations are (Correct answer)
That cable systems are exempt from EAS rules
Only that cable systems must carry NOAA Weather Radio audio
Cable system EAS rules are set exclusively by FEMA, not state plans

Correct answer: Which cable systems are EAS Participants and what their monitoring and relay obligations are

State EAS plans include cable systems as EAS Participants, specifying their monitoring sources and relay obligations alongside broadcast stations.

Question 13: What EAS event code is used for a Nuclear Power Plant Warning?

NPW
NCW
NWP
NUW (Correct answer)

Correct answer: NUW

NUW is the EAS event code for a Nuclear Power Plant Warning, used when an event at a nuclear facility poses a public risk.

Question 14: Which federal law gave FEMA authority to develop the national public alert and warning system?

Homeland Security Act of 2002
Emergency Alert Improvement Act of 1994
Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015 (Correct answer)
Communications Act of 1934

Correct answer: Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015

The IPAWS Modernization Act of 2015 codified FEMA's authority to operate and improve the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, including EAS and WEA.

Question 15: Which EAS event code is associated with a Blizzard Warning?

SNW
BZW (Correct answer)
BWW
BLZ

Correct answer: BZW

BZW is the EAS event code for a Blizzard Warning, indicating severe winter storm conditions with heavy snow and high winds.

Question 16: What entity has the authority to issue an EAS alert using the Civil Emergency Message (CEM) event code?

Federal, state, or local government agencies (Correct answer)
Only the NWS through official weather offices
Only the FCC's regional field offices
Only FEMA at the federal level

Correct answer: Federal, state, or local government agencies

CEM alerts can be originated by any level of government — federal, state, or local — to address civil emergencies not covered by more specific event codes.

Question 17: What is the purpose of having an LP-2 designation in the state EAS plan?

To handle Spanish-language EAS activations
To serve as the cable system relay point
To coordinate with NOAA Weather Radio exclusively
To provide a backup monitoring source if LP-1 is unavailable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To provide a backup monitoring source if LP-1 is unavailable

LP-2 serves as a backup local relay station, ensuring that local broadcasters can still receive EAS messages if the primary LP-1 station is off-air or experiencing technical problems.

Question 18: Which legislation established requirements for commercial mobile alert systems following Hurricane Katrina?

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act
Homeland Security Act of 2002
National Emergencies Act of 1976
Warning, Alert, and Response Network (WARN) Act of 2006 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Warning, Alert, and Response Network (WARN) Act of 2006

The WARN Act of 2006 was passed in response to communication failures during Hurricane Katrina, establishing requirements for commercial mobile alert systems and expanding WEA.

Question 19: What significant EAS policy change did the FCC make in 2007 regarding cable systems?

Required cable systems to carry EAS alerts on all channels, not just local access channels (Correct answer)
Required cable systems to install IPAWS-compatible equipment
Mandated that cable systems originate their own local alerts
Exempted cable systems from EAS requirements

Correct answer: Required cable systems to carry EAS alerts on all channels, not just local access channels

In 2007, the FCC updated EAS rules to require cable systems to carry EAS alerts on all channels simultaneously, greatly expanding the reach of emergency messages to cable subscribers.

Question 20: What does the EAS event code 'ADR' stand for?

Administrative Directive Release
Administrative Message (Correct answer)
Advisory Report
Alert Data Record

Correct answer: Administrative Message

ADR stands for Administrative Message, a non-emergency EAS event code used for system tests or informational broadcasts.

Question 21: What must an EAS encoder/decoder do when it receives a Presidential-level EAN alert?

Log it and relay only during business hours
Contact the local emergency manager first
Wait for staff authorization before broadcasting
Automatically relay it without requiring manual intervention (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Automatically relay it without requiring manual intervention

EAS equipment must automatically relay Presidential-level alerts (EAN) without requiring any manual staff action, ensuring immediate nationwide broadcast.

Question 22: What does the EAS event code 'NIC' indicate?

Network Infrastructure Concern notification
Non-Imminent Caution alert
Normal Information Clearance test
National Information Center advisory message (Correct answer)

Correct answer: National Information Center advisory message

NIC stands for National Information Center advisory, a code used to distribute informational messages from a national authority.

Question 23: Regarding WEA opt-out policies, which alert type can users NOT opt out of receiving?

Presidential Alerts (Correct answer)
Imminent Threat Alerts
AMBER Alerts
Public Safety Message Alerts

Correct answer: Presidential Alerts

Presidential WEA Alerts are mandatory and cannot be disabled by users; AMBER Alerts, Imminent Threat Alerts, and Public Safety Messages may be opted out of in device settings.

Question 24: What is the purpose of the EAS-CAP Industry Group (ECIG) in EAS interoperability?

To regulate EAS equipment manufacturing standards on behalf of the FCC
To operate the national IPAWS gateway infrastructure
To develop industry implementation guidelines for integrating CAP with EAS equipment and systems (Correct answer)
To conduct nationwide EAS tests and evaluate results

Correct answer: To develop industry implementation guidelines for integrating CAP with EAS equipment and systems

The EAS-CAP Industry Group develops recommended implementation guidelines to ensure consistent and interoperable integration of CAP messaging with EAS encoder/decoder equipment.

Question 25: What is the EAS event code for a Local Area Emergency?

ALE
LAE (Correct answer)
LCE
LOC

Correct answer: LAE

LAE is the event code for a Local Area Emergency, a flexible code used by local civil authorities for emergencies without a more specific designated code.

Question 26: What FCC form is used by EAS Participants to report on their EAS operations and compliance?

FCC Form 911
FCC Form EAS-1
FCC Form 303-S
FCC Form 11 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: FCC Form 11

FCC Form 11 is used by EAS Participants to report on EAS operations, including tests conducted and equipment status.

Question 27: What is the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system and how does it relate to EAS?

A parallel FEMA system that sends alerts to cell phones, complementing EAS broadcast alerts (Correct answer)
A component of EAS that broadcasts alerts over AM radio
A NOAA system for distributing weather alerts via SMS
A replacement for EAS that uses only wireless infrastructure

Correct answer: A parallel FEMA system that sends alerts to cell phones, complementing EAS broadcast alerts

WEA is a separate FEMA/FCC system that pushes geo-targeted alerts to mobile devices, and it operates in parallel with EAS rather than replacing it.

Question 28: What does the EAS event code 'RWT' represent?

Required Weather Test
Required Weekly Test (Correct answer)
Radio Warning Transmission
Regional Warning Test

Correct answer: Required Weekly Test

RWT stands for Required Weekly Test, the routine test that EAS Participants must conduct each week.

Question 29: When did FEMA launch the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)?

2008 (Correct answer)
2005
2006
2010

Correct answer: 2008

FEMA launched IPAWS in 2008 to create a modernized, internet-based alert aggregation and distribution system connecting government alerting authorities with EAS, WEA, and other delivery channels.

Question 30: How many times is the SAME header transmitted in a standard EAS message?

Once
Three times (Correct answer)
Twice
Four times

Correct answer: Three times

The SAME header is transmitted three times to ensure reliable reception and error correction by receiving equipment.

Question 31: How do state EAS plans address bilingual or non-English speaking communities?

By directing FEMA to provide translated messages
By designating multilingual stations as additional monitoring sources for those communities (Correct answer)
By requiring all EAS audio to be in English only
By exempting non-English stations from EAS requirements

Correct answer: By designating multilingual stations as additional monitoring sources for those communities

State EAS plans often designate Spanish-language or multilingual broadcast stations as monitoring sources to serve communities where English is not the primary language.

Question 32: Which entity has primary responsibility for ensuring state EAS plans reflect current broadcaster assignments?

FEMA Region offices
Local police agencies
The FCC Regional Director
The State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC)

The SECC is responsible for keeping state EAS plans current, updating monitoring assignments when stations change ownership, format, or technical operations.

Question 33: What must a broadcaster do immediately after an EAS alert has been broadcast?

File a report with the FCC within 1 hour
Conduct a follow-up RWT to confirm equipment functionality
Log the event in their EAS records with date, time, and alert details (Correct answer)
Notify their state emergency manager

Correct answer: Log the event in their EAS records with date, time, and alert details

FCC rules require broadcasters to log every EAS activation immediately after broadcast, recording the date, time, event code, and originating station for compliance purposes.

Question 34: Which event code is used when the EAS is activated for a Nuclear Power Plant Warning?

NPC
NUW
NRW
NPW (Correct answer)

Correct answer: NPW

NPW is the EAS event code for Nuclear Power Plant Warning, alerting the public near a nuclear facility of a potential emergency.

Question 35: Emergency Alerts inform personnel of work condition changes and signal the need for increased awareness, the use of system disruption/downtime procedures, or some other response active.

False
True (Correct answer)

Correct answer: True

Explanation: <br> Emergency Alerts are used to inform personnel and the public about changes in work conditions, potential safety threats, or the need for heightened awareness. They signal the necessity for specific responses such as activating system disruption or downtime procedures, evacuation protocols, or other safety measures. The purpose of emergency alerts is to ensure that individuals are promptly informed and can take appropriate actions to safeguard themselves and others during emergencies or critical situations.

Question 36: What does the term 'FIPS subdivision code' refer to in EAS SAME headers?

A secondary FIPS code for municipal subdivisions below the county level
A modifier that adjusts the alert priority level within a county
A leading digit (0-9) that further subdivides a county into specific geographic portions (Correct answer)
A code indicating whether the county is urban or rural

Correct answer: A leading digit (0-9) that further subdivides a county into specific geographic portions

The subdivision digit in a SAME FIPS code allows an alert to target a portion of a county (such as the northern or coastal section) rather than the whole county.

Question 37: What EAS event code is used for an Earthquake Warning?

EQK
EAQ
EQW (Correct answer)
QKW

Correct answer: EQW

EQW is the EAS event code for an Earthquake Warning, alerting the public to an imminent or occurring significant seismic event.

Question 38: What does the EAS originator code 'EAS' itself indicate when used on an alert?

A federal emergency management agency issued the alert
The alert was generated by the EAS Participant (the station itself) (Correct answer)
An Amber Alert was originated locally
The alert came from NOAA

Correct answer: The alert was generated by the EAS Participant (the station itself)

The originator code 'EAS' indicates the alert was originated by the EAS Participant station itself, rather than a government agency.

Question 39: In what year did the FCC first require EAS decoders to be capable of receiving CAP-formatted alerts via IPAWS?

2008
2015
2012 (Correct answer)
2010

Correct answer: 2012

The FCC required EAS Participants to install IPAWS-capable (CAP-compatible) equipment by June 2012, enabling stations to receive richer digital alerts from FEMA's IPAWS system.

Question 40: Which EAS event code is used specifically for a Flash Flood Warning?

FFW (Correct answer)
FLW
FFE
FLF

Correct answer: FFW

FFW is the EAS event code for Flash Flood Warning, indicating a dangerous and rapidly developing flood situation.

Question 41: How many LP (Local Primary) designations typically exist in the EAS hierarchy?

LP-1 and LP-2 (Correct answer)
LP-1 through LP-5
LP-1 through LP-10
LP-1 only

Correct answer: LP-1 and LP-2

The standard EAS hierarchy uses LP-1 (first Local Primary) and LP-2 (backup Local Primary) to ensure redundancy at the local relay level.

Question 42: Which of the following is an example of an Emergency Alert?

Code Triage Alert
All of the above (Correct answer)
Systems Alert
Information Alert
Severe Weather Alert

Correct answer: All of the above

Explanation: <br> Emergency Alerts can encompass a variety of situations where immediate public notification is necessary. This includes alerts for severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods (Severe Weather Alert), alerts for system failures or malfunctions that could affect public safety (Systems Alert), alerts for public health emergencies or safety threats (Code Triage Alert), and general information alerts related to emergencies. Therefore, all options are examples of Emergency Alerts that may be broadcast through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to inform and protect the public during crises.

Question 43: What EAS event code is used for a Severe Weather Statement?

SVA
SEW
SWS
SVS (Correct answer)

Correct answer: SVS

SVS is the EAS event code for a Severe Weather Statement, which provides updates or cancellations related to ongoing severe weather events.

Question 44: What historical event in the early 1990s accelerated the push to replace the EBS with a more capable system?

A major earthquake that exposed EBS relay chain failures
Hurricane Andrew in 1992 exposed EBS failures to timely warn the public (Correct answer)
The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995
The 1990 Gulf War requiring rapid national mobilization

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

Hurricane Andrew's devastation in 1992, combined with failures to effectively warn the public, highlighted limitations of the EBS and accelerated development of the more capable EAS.

Question 45: How often must state EAS plans be reviewed and updated?

Whenever the FCC requires it
Only when a new station is licensed
At least annually (Correct answer)
Every five years

Correct answer: At least annually

SECCs are expected to review and update state EAS plans at least annually to reflect changes in station operations, ownership, and technical capabilities.

Question 46: What is a Primary Entry Point (PEP) station in the national EAS architecture?

A backup NOAA Weather Radio transmitter
A station directly linked to FEMA that originates and distributes national-level EAS alerts (Correct answer)
The main LP-1 station in a state's relay chain
A cable system headend that feeds local alerts

Correct answer: A station directly linked to FEMA that originates and distributes national-level EAS alerts

PEP stations are a select group of broadcast stations with direct connections to FEMA's IPAWS that originate national-level EAS activations like the Emergency Action Notification.

Question 47: In what year did the FCC officially implement the Emergency Alert System?

2002
1988
1997 (Correct answer)
1963

Correct answer: 1997

The FCC implemented EAS in 1997, phasing it in nationwide over several years as stations upgraded from the legacy EBS infrastructure.

Question 48: What role do state emergency managers play in the SECC?

They have no formal role — the SECC is broadcaster-only
They only attend SECC meetings during declared emergencies
They chair all SECC meetings and have veto power over the state plan
They participate as members providing emergency management expertise and coordination with government alerting systems (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They participate as members providing emergency management expertise and coordination with government alerting systems

State emergency managers participate as SECC members, bringing government alerting expertise and ensuring the state EAS plan aligns with broader emergency management protocols.

Question 49: What EAS event code is used for a Shelter-in-Place Warning?

PLW
SPW (Correct answer)
SHW
SIP

Correct answer: SPW

SPW is the EAS event code for a Shelter-in-Place Warning, typically used for chemical or hazardous material emergencies.

Question 50: What does 'SECC' stand for in the EAS organizational structure?

State Emergency Control Center
Statewide EAS Coordination Council
State Emergency Communications Commission
State Emergency Communications Committee (Correct answer)

Correct answer: State Emergency Communications Committee

SECC stands for State Emergency Communications Committee, the voluntary body responsible for developing and maintaining each state's EAS Plan.

Emergency Alert System (EAS) Knowledge Exam

Covers the FCC Emergency Alert System regulatory framework including EAS message structure, event and area codes, history and legislation, IPAWS integration, and state/local EAS plan requirements for broadcast and cable participants.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

75%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds