Receiving Eas Tests And Alerts

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is designed to provide a means to communicate information to the public during a national, state or local emergency. The majority of EAS activations are weather related and come from the National Weather Service. Non-weather EAS activations can be for civil emergencies, child abductions (called AMBER Alerts), or when individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairment are missing and thought to be endangered (Called Silver Alerts).

There is equipment in the Engineering room that monitors WQDR 94.7 FM and WDCG 105.1 FM 24 hours a day for EAS broadcasts. This is because WKNC does not generate its own EAS messages; we pick them up from the aforementioned stations. Because WKNC is automated at times, our EAS system is configured to send messages over the air without needing a live announcer. The EAS message will automatically override the audio console. Since the message does not originate from the board, a DJ will only hear it over the air monitor. Whenever you hear the EAS tone, make sure to pot down whatever music you may have on and pay attention to the message.

Eas Tests

To ensure the EAS system works properly, weekly and monthly tests are required. You will know the message is a test if you hear the following or a similar message after the EAS tone.

“This is a test of the North Carolina Emergency Alert System. This is only a test. Broadcasters in cooperation with local, state and national authorities have developed this system to provide the public with important emergency information, should the need arise. This concludes the monthly test of the North Carolina Emergency Alert System.”

If you receive an EAS test, upon its completion play or say a legal ID and resume regular programming.

EAS Alerts

If the message is an alert and not a test, you will hear the following or a similar message after the EAS tone.

“We interrupt this program to activate the (name of operational area or state) Emergency Alert System at the request of (activating official) at (time). Important information will follow.”

WQDR or WDCG will send a second tone that will last for eight seconds. Listen to the information that follows, you may want to jot down some notes. After the message concludes, air a legal ID and resume regular programming. Feel free to repeat the information at the next regular break. Use the computer in master control to keep track of any weather systems passing through the area. If you receive a tornado warning for Wake County, please notify anyone else who may be in the building. The Technician is often in production late into the evening, so always check. Building safety and evacuation procedures are posted in the studio.

The Raleigh Operational Area

The Raleigh operational area includes Wake, Johnston, Harnett, Lee, Moore, Chatham, Orange, Durham, Person, Vance, Franklin and Warren counties. This means you may receive an alert for something that seems of no consequence to you, but is still important to our listening area.