The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to revise emergency warning systems in connection with the recent flood in Texas, during which 130 people died.
Both emergency warning (EAS) and a wireless emergency warning system (WAS) will fall under the check of the regulator. The difference between these systems is not only in the infrastructure, but also in age: EAS includes radio, television, satellite and cable systems, this system is already 31 years old, the WAS system is 13 years.
During the audit, the FCC will evaluate which organizations can send alerts in these systems, and also consider issues related to geographical targeting and safety.
After a series of tragedies related to floods, there were questions about whether residents of potentially dangerous areas were warned about evacuation, as well as whether the recent reductions of the state and budget of the US National Meteorological Service could influence the number of victims.
“We want to make sure that these programs give the results that the Americans need,” Brendan Carr, chairman of the FCC, said on social networks.
