---
title: "Blackout Dates: Prevent Scheduled Messages on Specific Dates"
description: Blackout Dates allow you to prevent automated messages from being sent on specific days throughout the year. If a scheduled NurturePoint text or email falls on a blackout date, it will automatically be rescheduled to the next available day.
---
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# Blackout Dates: Prevent Scheduled Messages on Specific Dates
Blackout Dates allow you to prevent scheduled messages from being sent on specific days throughout the year. **If a scheduled NurturePoint text or email falls on a blackout date, it will automatically be rescheduled to the next available day.**
This is especially helpful for holidays, church events, or other occasions when you would prefer not to send automated communications.
### **How to Manage Blackout Dates**
#### **1. Navigate to Dashboard \> Account \> Manage Blackout Dates**
#### **2. Choose Message Channels**
Select whether you want the blackout dates to apply to email, SMS, or both.
#### **3\. Select Predefined Blackout Dates**
A list of common holidays is available for quick selection. Simply check the box next to any holiday you would like to prevent messages from being sent.
#### **4. Add Custom Blackout Dates**
You can also create your own recurring blackout dates.
- Enter the month, day, and optional label to identify the date.
- Select Add Date and Save.
- Custom blackout dates automatically recur every year.
#### **5. Save Your Changes**
After selecting your predefined holidays and adding any optional custom blackout dates, click **Save** to apply your changes. Your automated messages will now skip those dates and resume on the next available day.
### **How Blackout Dates Work**
When a scheduled message falls on a blackout date:
- The scheduled message will not be sent on the blackout date. This includes NurturePoint Journey messages and scheduled mass messages.
- It will automatically be rescheduled for the next available day.
- Since ads are still live, if a new person requests information, the first automated message will be sent at the next available date.
- No manual adjustments are required after your blackout dates have been configured.
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