FCC votes to bolster Wireless Emergency Alerts

By Shawn Knight on September 29, 2016, 6:15 PM



The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to update the rules governing Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) in an effort to make them more useful.

The system, designed to alert citizens on their mobile devices of emergency-type situations or events, was most recently on display earlier this month when New Yorkers were warned of a dangerous bombing suspect on the loose.

As The Washington Post recounts, the suspect was eventually apprehended following a shootout with police. The alert that was pushed out to the public wasn’t terribly informative; in fact, the publication likened it to a text message that a teenager might send to a friend. What’s more, the alert lacked helpful information that might have led to his apprehension sooner such as a photo.

Authorities would no doubt have preferred to issue a more detailed alert but simply weren’t able to do so due to limitations of the WEA system. As such, the message that went out was ripe with abbreviations and didn’t include a picture of the suspect.

Thanks to today’s FCC vote, future alerts should be much more robust.

Under the new rules, authorities will have up to 360 characters at their disposal – up from just 90 currently and far less than even Twitter’s 140-character limit. Furthermore, authorities will be able to send alerts with greater geographic accuracy which means you’ll be less likely to receive an alert about a tornado that may be many miles away.

Future messages will also be available in Spanish and will cover additional events, we’re told.

How to Add Enhanced Emergency Info in Android Nougat

Older versions of Android have allowed you to add bits of info, such as emergency contacts or “if found” numbers, to the lock screen. In Android Nougat, you’re able to add all sorts of new information for a potential rescuer to use.

To start adding this information, head to Settings > Users and tap Emergency Information. The system warns you that this information is stored on your device only, and anyone with physical access to your phone can view it without knowing your passcode. Thus, you should be careful with what you add here if others might use your phone often.

Once in the menu, you’re able to add your name, address, blood type, allergies, and more. This information could prove critical to a first responder helping you, perhaps if you become unconscious from lack of medication.

On the next tab over, you can add emergency contacts. This is a great way to ensure that no matter if your phone is locked or not, someone is able to get out to a person you trust. This can also help anhonest person return a lost phone.How to Return a Lost Phone in Four Easy Steps How to Return a Lost Phone in Four Easy StepsEvery year, millions drop their mobile into the unknown. In the US, about 50% of lost devices are returned to their owners. The rest get resold or reused – while thievery may seem eco-friendly and...READ MORE

How much info you want to add here is up to you, but remember that it could help a paramedic save you someday. Looking to add even more emergency features to your pocket? Check out the reasons you might want to get an emergency burner phone.