Washington,
Sep 21, 2004 -
Tomorrow, US Congressman John Shadegg will chair a hearing of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and Response into the adequacy and structure of national emergency warning systems. Key questions regarding the role of multiple broadcast methods and emerging technologies, including wireless and Internet capabilities, are expected to be addressed. “It was Robert Newman and Paul Revere who pioneered the first emergency warning system in our country,” Shadegg said. “However, in the 21st Century, in a new war on terrorism, and a new era of homeland security and technology, we must look at the most modern and effective ways to get emergency warnings to the American people.” The hearing is part of National Preparedness Month, a nationwide effort to give Americans the information they need to respond to an emergency situation – natural or terrorism-related. Experts are expected to testify regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to create an all-hazards digital alert system that will provide specific and timely information through digital means to all interested parties. Further testimony is expected to cover state projects, such as the Amber Alert Web Portal Consortium (AAWPC).
