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Emergency Alert System

All articles tagged with #emergency alert system

technology2 years ago

Hilarious Reactions as People Wear AirPods During National Emergency Alert Test

During FEMA's nationwide emergency alert test, social media was flooded with memes and hilarious reactions from people who were caught off guard while wearing AirPods. The test, conducted to check the effectiveness of alert systems, prompted unexpected responses from users who shared their experiences online. FEMA is required by law to conduct wireless emergency alert tests every three years, with the last national test occurring in 2021.

technology2 years ago

FEMA's National Emergency Alert Test Sends Alarming Noise to Cellphones

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be conducting a nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) for cellphones and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for radio and television today at 2:20 p.m. ET. The test aims to ensure that these systems are in proper working order for potential emergencies. The test will display a message on mobile phones and announce on TV and radio that it is only a test and no action is required. Major U.S. wireless providers will participate, and the test is expected to last for 30 minutes. However, abuse victims are advised to power off their hidden cellphones during the test for safety reasons.

society2 years ago

National Emergency Alert Test on Wednesday: What You Need to Know

The upcoming emergency alert test in the United States could pose a danger to survivors of domestic abuse and those in risky situations who rely on hidden communication devices. While the test may be an annoyance for most people, it could potentially escalate abusive situations if abusers discover the hidden devices. Domestic violence organizations have issued warnings and advised survivors to turn off their devices during the test. It is crucial for at-risk individuals to take steps to protect their hidden devices year-round and seek help from organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

technology2 years ago

"Oct. 4: The Day Mobile Phones Will Sound the Alarm"

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The test aims to ensure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System continue to effectively warn the public about emergencies. Wireless providers will transmit the test for 30 minutes, and mobile phones, TVs, and radios will display a message indicating that it is only a test. Not everyone will receive the test, as it depends on factors such as phone compatibility and proximity to an active cell tower.

technology2 years ago

Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Scheduled for This Week

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a nationwide test of emergency alert systems on October 4. The test will include the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), with messages sent to cell phones, radios, and televisions. The purpose of the test is to ensure the effectiveness of these systems in warning the public about emergencies. This will be the third nationwide test of the WEA system and the seventh nationwide test of the EAS. The agencies are coordinating with participants and providers to minimize confusion and maximize public safety.

technology2 years ago

Nationwide Emergency Alert Test: When and What to Expect

On Wednesday, October 4, a nationwide emergency alert test will be conducted in the United States at 2:20 p.m. ET. The test will involve the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), with messages being sent to TV, radio, and cellphone networks. The test message will state that it is only a test and no action is required. The alert will be sent to cellphones as a tone, vibration, and text message. The test aims to ensure the effectiveness of the national alert system in warning Americans about emergencies.

technology2 years ago

National Emergency Alert Test Scheduled for October 4: Prepare for Your Phone to Blare

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System on October 4 at 2:20 PM ET. Cell phones, radios, and TVs will receive notifications to ensure the system is ready for a real crisis. The test will assess Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) and use FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). The test will last for about 30 minutes, and if there is an actual emergency, the test will be rescheduled for October 11.

automotive2 years ago

Ford backtracks on AM radio removal plan after backlash.

Ford has announced that it will add AM radio dials back to its dashboards after a bill was aired in the US Senate that would require AM radios to be included in all automobiles sold in America. The proposed law would mandate AM radios due to the vital role that frequency band has in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's national public warning system, which broadcasts alerts via AM stations. The move comes after Senator Ed Markey introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require the inclusion of AM receivers at no additional charge to buyers, and would impose civil penalties on any company not complying.

business2 years ago

Ford caves to pressure, keeps AM radio in all vehicles.

Ford has decided to include AM radio in all 2024 Ford and Lincoln Motor vehicles after pressure from lawmakers who argued that AM radio has historically helped transmit crucial information during emergencies, particularly to rural areas. Last week, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced a bill calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require AM in new vehicles at no additional cost. Many automakers, including Ford, Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and Mazda, had removed AM radio from their new electric cars, citing electrical interference.

business2 years ago

Ford Backtracks on AM Radio Removal After Congressional Pressure

Ford Motor Co. will keep AM radio available in its vehicles following pressure from lawmakers to keep it in its products. CEO Jim Farley said Ford will include AM radio in all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles and offer software updates to owners of its electric vehicles without AM broadcast capability. A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation to require all new cars to include AM radio. Reports indicated several manufacturers were phasing out AM radio in their vehicles because electric motors can interfere with the soundwaves for AM radio. More than 80 million people in the U.S. listen to AM radio every month.

business2 years ago

Ford Backtracks on AM Radio Removal Plan After Congressional Pressure

Ford has reversed its decision to remove AM radio from "most new and updated 2024 models" and will include it in "all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles" after speaking with policy leaders about its importance as part of the emergency alert system. The decision comes after seven former FEMA administrators wrote to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and some congressional committees asking for assurances that AM radio will remain a feature in vehicles. Ford's EVs, the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, did not receive AM broadcast radio capability for the 23 model year, but the company will send an over-the-air software update to enable AM radio in those vehicles.

automotive2 years ago

Ford Backtracks on Ditching AM Radio in Vehicles.

Ford CEO Jim Farley announced that all existing and future Ford EV owners will have access to AM radio, which is important for emergency alerts. This comes after a group of lawmakers introduced a bill to preserve AM radio by banning automakers from eliminating it in new vehicles. Existing Ford EV owners will receive AM radio access through a software update while the company plans to include it in all newly built 2024 models.

automotive2 years ago

Ford Backtracks on AM Radio Removal Plan After Congressional Pressure

Ford has reversed its decision to remove AM radio from its vehicles, both electric and gasoline operated, in 2024. The automaker will now include the AM radio option on all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, and offer a software update for Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability. The decision was made after speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as a part of the emergency alert system. Ford will also add the AM radio option to its 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E through a software update.

technology2 years ago

Florida terminates contract with alert system vendor after early morning mishap.

Millions of Floridians were woken up by an unscheduled test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on their phones at 4:45 am. The Florida Division of Emergency Management apologized for the mistake and is taking action to remove the company responsible for submitting the alert. Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered swift accountability for the inappropriate use of the system. The EAS is typically used for AMBER Alerts and disaster warnings, and state leaders recommend keeping them on despite the unsolicited wake-up call.