With hurricane season upon us, FEMA is releasing new ads to educate the public about Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), also known as the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS). Throughout Hurricane Preparedness Week, which began last Sunday and continues through Saturday, June 1, the television and radio spots will identify how the alerts broadcast warning messages to all WEA-capable devices within a specific geographic area.“With a unique sound and vibration, you’ll be in the know, wherever you are,” the ads say, directing consumers to the campaign website, www.ready.gov/alerts.
Although the program has been up and running for over a year, consumer awareness remains low. Recent severe weather throughout the country, including tornados in the Midwest and wildfires in California, are good reminders of how valuable the emergency alerts can be in times of crisis, but familiarity with the program is needed to help ensure that consumers take appropriate action upon receipt of an alert.
Interop is proud to support this potentially life-saving program. To read more about CMAS, check out our Commercial Mobile Service Provider Gateway page.
