This is very interesting to me, because I believe it will only enhance our capability as a nation, when responding to incidents like disasters and terrorism. The only down side, is that cell towers have to survive that incident as well, in order for this system to be effective. When I was working in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, we did run into that problem. But text messaging was still more effective than making calls, because all you needed was a small window of signal time, to get your message out.
I also think that a text message alert(TMA) system, would have saved lives, during that Virginia Tech shooting. A nationwide TMA system, would be helpful to first responders as well. Even thought they have their own internal dispatching and information system, it would be helpful for them to get nationwide alerts as well, so they can at least be on the same sheet of music as the public.
Back in 2004 and 2005, I worked as a Inter-agency Dispatcher for the federal government, and I learned just how important information dissemination was, when it comes to emergencies like fires and hurricanes. It is really important to get the word out to those that can save people in those situations, and we call this process ‘initial attack’. The faster we can get the ball rolling, the faster people can be helped.
But if you can reach the victims and potential victims themselves, then you can at least help directly and give them a leg up in those situations. Sometimes the Police Officer, Security Guard, or First Responder cannot get there in time to save the day. That is what is great about a TMA system, that can give the potential victim or victims a fair shot at helping themselves with precious life saving knowledge. It will be interesting to watch this one. -Head Jundi
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Nationwide cellphone alert system in the works
By Paul Davidson, USA TODAY
Federal regulators as early as Wednesday are expected to take a major step toward development of a nationwide emergency alert system that would send text messages to cellphones and other mobile devices wherever a crisis occurs.
Lack of a simple way to deliver vital warnings to residents has hindered emergency response in disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, recent college-campus shootings, and a spate of devastating tornadoes in the Southeast in February.
The Federal Communications Commission is slated to establish technical standards and other requirements that for the first time would make such communication possible, two FCC officials say. The officials requested anonymity because commissioners have not yet voted on the plan. (more…)
