Revised Rules for Wireless Emergency Alerts to Take Effect in 60 Days

Revised rules on wireless emergency alerts are to take effect 60 days from Tuesday, after expected publication in the Federal Register. “By this action, the Commission adopts rules that will improve Alert Message content in order to help communities communicate clearly and effectively about imminent threats and local crises,” an FCC notice said. “It also adopts rules to meet alert originators’ needs for the delivery of the Alert Messages they transmit and creates a framework that will allow emergency managers to test, exercise, and raise public awareness about WEA.” FCC members approved the revised rules in September over a partial dissent by Commissioner Mike O’Rielly (see 1609290060).