To: snipped-for-privacy@telecom-digest.org
> Subject: Philadelphia emergency text messaging system [Telecom]
> The Phila Inqr reported that the City of Philadelphia and surrounding
> suburbs have rolled out a new emergency text messaging system. The
> goal is to give more information on what people should do in case of > emergency.
>
> In the past, sirens were used, but people didn't know if they should
> stay inside (e.g. for a chemical plant leak) or evacuate (e.g. for a > hurricane).
>
> Further, text messaging uses limited bandwidth and will [supposedly]
> get through when cell phones aren't working.
>
> I suppose this is a good idea, but a great many people do not have
> cell phones with text messaging (many people who have cell phones have
> texting turned off or no idea how to use it). Also, cell phone towers
> can be overwhelmed in an emergency or be out of service altogether,
> despite their claims that text msgs get through.
>
> It seems to me the old style radio/TV system was more reaching. In a
> severe emergency, every TV and radio station would broadcast a
> warning. They still do, sort of. It would be easy for cable systems
> to do that on all their distributed channels but they don't want to be > bothered.
As I have noted in previous posts on TD, cable TV systems carry Emergency Alert messages on all channels.
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Neal McLain