This is a test, this is only a test…Who doesn�t know those words and the distinctive sound that accompanies testing of the Emergency Broadcasting System. And if you have ever been warned of severe weather in your area, you know how valuable that system is for everyone.
Well, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has just approved a new nationwide alert system for cell phone users. The plan puts in place a federal agency that will create the messages and relay them to cell phone companies. The alerts will only be available on cell phone services that have agreed to participate in the service. The participating cell phone companies will have ten months to comply with any requirements for the service, once the alert agency is put into place.
The alert messages would be text-based and sent in response to one of three scenarios:
- A national alert from the president of the United States regarding a disaster that could jeopardize the health and safety of Americans, such as in the case of a terrorist attack.
- Natural threats that are imminent or ongoing, such as with the case of hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and forest fires.
- Amber Alerts and child abduction alerts.
Cell phone subscribers with cell phone companies that offer the alerts would be able to opt out of receiving the alerts. A distinct vibration or sound would be required to be produced by the cell phone companies for subscribers with disabilities.
So far, the following cell phone companies have expressed an interest in the service, although no company has committed fully to the project: AT &T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint Nextel.
What do you think of this development? Will it expand the capabilities of emergency communications?
Are you more likely to receive an emergency warning or alert if it is sent as text to your cell phone?
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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