Effectiveness of local, State, and Federal alerting systems

(a)

In general

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of local, State, and Federal emergency alerting systems in disseminating timely and relevant information during weather-related emergencies to help communities develop better policies and procedures for emergency response and enhance public safety in the event of a weather-related emergency. (b)

Contents

In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall— (1)evaluate the efficacy of various alert mediums, including platforms such as social media, to disseminate emergency alerts, including travel bans and mass power outages, during extreme weather events; (2)assess the extent that guidance and training exists for developing alert content, such as ensuring alerts are clear, relevant, and provide the public with actionable information; and (3)determine whether improvements could be made to public alerting based on input from a selected sample of emergency managers, local officials, and community groups. (c)

Report

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the study conducted under subsection (a).