When disaster strikes, you may have only a short time to make what may be a life or death decision.Rare events such as fires,tornadoes or chemical releases do occur.Traffic jams on the other hand are common.Although impossible to predict,we can minimize the damage these things cause by keeping people informed.
This is where cell phones enter the picture.With every adult in the US using one why not incorporate this device into an early warning system?The possibility of sending text alerts to cell phones in a specific area is being considered seriously after the 9/11 terror attacks, and more recently, after the Virginia Tech massacre. This move is being encouraged by policy makers in Washington.A2006 law requires the Federal Communications Commission to identify ways to provide location based emergency alerts on cell phones. Necessary rules in this regard are expected this year.
But some problems are certain to be faced.Different carriers use different devices with varying capabilities. They will have to agree upon certain common features and facilities. Moreover alerts cannot be sent to a user without tracking his phone, and doing this is an invasion of his privacy.
Several companies in the US are developing the necessary software to be installed in cell phones.This will allow users to receive text messages aimed at a specific geographical area.In order to distinguish them from normal messages, these alerts will have different ring tones and a vibration alert for deaf or blind users.The software will be given to users free of cost.The charges for the service will be borne by the localities where they are available.
Such services are expected to be available in California in about a year's time. The Japanese government is working with cell phone companies to use phones to provide an early warning system for earthquakes. Once the technology is perfected it can be used for local advertising, allowing companies to reduce charges for the emergency services provided by them.