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Emergency Broadcast System Coming To Cell Phones

Posted by samzenpus on from the set-your-emergency-to-vibrate dept.

gambit3 writes "The Emergency Broadcast System that interrupts TV programming in times of crisis is jumping to a new format where it might be able to reach you better — on your cell phone. The communications company Alcatel-Lucent announced Tuesday that it's creating a Broadcast Message Center that will allow government agencies to send cell phone users specific information in the event of a local, state or national emergency. It will be similar to the TV alerts in that the text messages will be geographically targeted for areas where a tornado alert or major road closure, for example, is in effect."

7 of 256 comments (clear)

  1. I'm not looking forward to... by Jamori · · Score: 5, Funny
    ...random texts once a week waking me up at 3am indicating that:

    "This is a test of the local emergency cell phone text system. This is only a test. If this had been an actual emergency, hopefully you haven't disabled text alerts in the middle of the night after receiving all our obnoxious tests."

  2. When the Threat Level changes... by jayveekay · · Score: 1, Funny

    They should change the background color on your phone to the new threat level. e.g. when the level changes from yellow to orange, your phone background becomes orange, immediately letting you know to take the appropriate action such as heading to Home Depot to stockpile duct tape and plastic sheeting. For extra credit the phone could provide you with directions to the nearest hardware store.

    This scheme may conflict with *Amber* Alerts, however.

  3. A typical "Emergency tweet" by goffster · · Score: 4, Funny

    OMG! A toradno iz comin. proced 2 teh nearest evacushun sheltr

    1. Re:A typical "Emergency tweet" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Sorry, false alarm. LOLcat on the keyboard.

  4. Re:oh good, but then slippery slope by silverglade00 · · Score: 3, Funny

    I find the ones on TV extremely annoying because I can guarantee no lost child is in my house in view of my tv.

    Given your user name, I would suspect that the last five words you said are an important qualifier.

  5. Re:You mean... by DNS-and-BIND · · Score: 3, Funny

    What the FUCK? You actually DRINK tapwater? You got what you deserved. Tapwater is only for showering and perhaps dish washing (if you're cheap). In the real world, we drink only bottled water, and possibly San Pellengrino if we're at a coffee shop. Grow up already. Those who sacrifice convenience for security deserve neither.

    --
    Shutting down free speech with violence isn't fighting fascism. It IS fascism!
  6. Re:will you have to pay for incoming and roaming by BasilBrush · · Score: 3, Funny

    Wow! A teenage girl on Slashdot.