Emergency Alerts (EAS)
Emergency Alert Interruptions
Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a warning system required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In the event of a severe weather situation or emergency alert, programming is interrupted. The interruption starts with an attention-getting tone, and then an audio and visual message.
The Emergency Alert System is jointly coordinated by FCC, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NOAA/NWS).
Digital television and cable providers, along with Sirius XM satellite radio, in-band on-channel (IBOC), Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) and digital radio broadcasters have been required to participate in the EAS alerts since December 31, 2006. DirecTV, Dish Network and all other direct-broadcast satellite (DBS) providers have been required to participate since May 31, 2007.
Midco® cooperates with the EAS guidelines, which are designed and proven to save lives in the event of severe weather. If you have any additional questions, please contact Midco public policy at 1.800.888.1300.
Your Emergency Alert Area
EAS broadcast notifications are federally mandated and issued by county. Because of that, cities at the edge of counties may get alerts for communities that are nearby.
Please note that many of our systems are interconnected and provide service to customers in multiple counties. When there is an EAS event in one of the connected counties the alert will be sent to all of the customers in that system.
For example, in the Aberdeen, SD, area we have systems in one technical group from as far west as Mobridge, east to Waubay, south to Doland and north to Frederick. This covers five counties: Walworth, Edmunds, Brown, Spink, and Day.
