The California Emergency Management Agency and Sprint (S) announced they will begin a pilot of a text- and wireless-based emergency alert system.
Together, Cal EMA and Sprint are deploying the Commercial Mobile Alert System technology, which allows public-safety agencies to disseminate warnings and safety information via text alerts and wireless phones based on specific locations. The technology can be used for a variety of situations, including weather emergencies, natural disasters, terrorist attacks and school shootings on a local, state or national level.
The first CMAS pilot program will take place in San Diego County beginning this fall in a partnership with the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services. Cal EMA said it is the first pilot of the CMAS program in the country.
CMAS is a national program established by the FCC. The technology is similar to current technology that sends emergency alerts to cable television or to wired phones, but adds the advantage of being able to reach any cell phone within a defined geographic area. Text-based CMAS alerts feature a dedicated vibration cadence and audio attention signals for wireless customers with hearing or vision disabilities.
Cal EMA, Sprint pilot wireless emergency alert system
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