(Washington) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves introduced bi-partisan legislation today to modernize the nation’s public warning and alert system in order to allow officials to more effectively warn those threatened by disasters.

 

“The recent tornadoes that hit the Northland, destroying homes and displacing families, show how important it is to have a fast and effective warning system in place to alert people of impending disasters,” Graves said. “Receiving a timely disaster warning can literally mean the difference between life and death.”

 

Graves’ bill, “Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2008,” requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to modernize the nation’s Cold War era warning systems to take advantage of modern technologies like cell phones, reverse 911, email, text messages, and satellite radio and television. These technologies will allow officials to reach a much higher percentage of the population and target alerts to those in danger.

 

“Numerous technologies exist to better enable governments to alert and warn the public of all potential hazards,” Graves added. “A modern alert system will enable officials at all levels of government to target their warnings to the right people at the right time and save lives.”

 

The bill authorizes $37 million for FEMA to implement the upgrades and to establish common alerting and warning protocols including the ability to adapt communications on the basis of location, risk and personal preferences. It has been referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where Graves is a senior member. 

 

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