Senate Approves 'READI' Act To Inform Public In Emergencies

Approves 'READI' Act

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the "Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement" (READI) Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators BRIAN SCHATZ (D-HI), JOHN THUNE (R-SD) and ROGER WICKER (R-MS), will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts.

“When a missile alert went out across HAWAI‘I in JANUARY, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert highlighted real ways we can improve the way people receive emergency alerts,” said SCHATZ. “Our bill fixes some of these issues and will help make sure that in an emergency, the public gets the right information they need as quickly as possible.”

“When an emergency happens, the public needs to be made aware in a timely and effective manner,” said THUNE. “The READI Act addresses a number of emergency alert system issues to improve the reliability of potentially lifesaving communications.”

“The READI Act will ensure more Americans receive lifesaving information during emergencies ranging from natural disasters to terrorist attacks,” said WICKER. “Importantly, this bill will also address the problem of false alerts, which deteriorate public confidence in the emergency alert system. I am proud to have worked with Senators SCHATZ and THUNE on this important legislation to protect the American people.”

The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System ensure that the public is quickly informed about emergency alerts issued by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and delivered over the radio, television, and mobile wireless devices. These announcements keep the public safe and informed. FEMA administers the platform government agencies use to originate alerts, while the FCC oversees the systems used to distribute the alerts over broadcast and mobile wireless networks.

In response to last night's passage of the READI Act by the U.S. Senate, NAB EVP/Communications DENNIS WHARTON said, “NAB thanks the Senate for passing the READI Act, which would improve the timeliness, accuracy and availability of emergency alerts when disaster strikes. Local radio and TV broadcasters play a vital role as ‘first informers’ in keeping communities safe, and we understand the importance of relevant and up-to-date information when lives are at risk. We thank Sens. SCHATZ, THUNE and WICKER for their leadership on the emergency alerting issue and urge passage of the READI Act in the House.” 

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