FEMA is reminding broadcasters that an element of the Emergency Alert System IPAWS CAP message verification certificate used by EAS devices expires on Sunday, April 28.
“Any EAS device not updated prior to that date will no longer be able to authenticate received IPAWS CAP messages,” it stated in an email.
“EAS device manufacturers have included the updated verification certificate in recently published updates or made it available via other means. If you have not done so already, please reach out to your EAS manufacturer as soon as possible to replace the existing digital certification bundle or update your EAS device firmware, as necessary.”
It reminded stations to review their EAS device logs following the regular Monday morning IPAWS Required Weekly Test to determine if their EAS device has the updated verification certificate.
“Thank you to all our AM/FM radio, television and cable partners,” FEMA wrote. “Every day we see the impact of the lifesaving EAS alerts you voluntarily distribute. Your community is safer because of you.”
Stations with questions were invited to email IPAWS@fema.dhs.gov.
[Read more recent Radio World stories about the Emergency Alert System.]
