Posted: 5/10/2011 10:13:06 AM EDT
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http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/us/10safety.html?_r=1 WASHINGTON — The emergency broadcast system is coming to cellphones.
Updating the national emergency alert system, federal officials planned to announce on Tuesday in Manhattan that some cellphone users in New York and Washington will soon be able to receive alerts by text message in the event of a national or regional emergency. The service in those cities is scheduled to start late this year as a prelude to nationwide service next year, perhaps as early as April. To receive the alerts, users must have mobile phones with a special chip, which is currently included in some higher-end smartphones like the latest iPhones. The service will also require a software upgrade. Continued at link.... 
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This will be great ....
Deep Impact Redux: Elijah Wood <on cell phone>: Dad! Dad! There is a big disaster coming and we need to get out of the city! There is only one safe direction... Richard Schiff: Geez! The lines have been so busy, I have been trying to reach you for an hour, which way do we go? Cell phone call terminates and flashes text message: THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HAS ISSUED AN IMMINENT DISASTER WARNING FOR THE WASHINGTON DC METRO AREA. PLEASE STAND BY. <2 hours later> Richard Schiff: OK, finally got through again! Which way do we go? Elijah Wood: OK, you need to go... Cell phone call terminates and flashes text message: THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HAS ISSUED AN IMMINENT DISASTER WARNING FOR THE WASHINGTON DC METRO AREA. PLEASE STAND BY. Elijah Wood: Fuuuuuuu! Richard Schiff: Fuuuuuuu! |
