The FCC has approved a new nationwide alert system that will send text messages to cell phones to alert Americans when an emergency, disaster, or attack occurs. Only three types of events will trigger the emergency text message, which will be sent by your carrier.

This is a good idea, though I am sure it will be completely ignored by many. The text messages will be sent for the following reasons: there is a terrorist or other attack that threatens the safety or health of Americans; an imminent or on-going natural disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane or tornado; or an Amber alert.

If any of these three happens, your network operator will be contacted by the government, and an alert will be sent to your mobile phone. Participation by the network operators is not mandatory, though AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon have all said they will adopt the program. Smaller, regional carriers are likely to follow suit.

FCC chairman Kevin Martin said, "The ability to deliver accurate and timely warnings and alerts through cell phones and other mobile services is an important next step in our efforts to help ensure that the American public has the information they need to take action to protect themselves and their families prior to, and during, disasters and other emergencies."

said by Karl :

Less or more annoying than having your child abducted?

said by Karl :

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An annoyance to everyone not related to the missing kid. Especially when it isn't a real abduction. It will depend on how frequently these alerts are issued and how widespread they disseminate them away from the child's immediate community.

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Perhaps. Provided they're reasonable and regionally specific, I kind of think some irritation on my part is well worth catching a dirtbag before he kills a child.

said by Karl :

Perhaps. Provided they're reasonable and regionally specific, I kind of think some irritation on my part is well worth catching a dirtbag before he kills a child.

said by Karl :

quote:

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An annoyance to everyone not related to the missing kid. Especially when it isn't a real abduction. It will depend on how frequently these alerts are issued and how widespread they disseminate them away from the child's immediate community.

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Perhaps. Provided they're reasonable and regionally specific, I kind of think some irritation on my part is well worth catching a dirtbag before he kills a child.

said by MTB :

Ok let me guess. It is illegal to talk while driving, but reading is OK.

Interesting.