[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 81 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT LOCAL BROADCASTERS PLAY IN ALERTING 
                 THE PUBLIC DURING WEATHER EMERGENCIES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2012

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, in recent years, unpredictable 
and sometimes violent weather has struck our Nation. The months of May 
and June are the most likely times for tornadoes to strike the great 
Hoosier state. Getting to safety before a tornado strikes can be the 
difference between life and death. Success in that effort depends on 
access to timely information. For this reason, I want to thank local 
broadcasters in the 7th District of Indiana for providing critical 
information during weather emergencies.
  Last year, a violent storm caused the sudden collapse of the concert 
stage at the Indiana State Fair. This tragic incident killed seven and 
severely injured dozens more. It could have been much worse. Timely 
alerts from local broadcasters enabled Fair officials to clear the 
Midway minutes before the storm struck, potentially saving the lives of 
hundreds.
  Radio and television stations are our Nation's most reliable network 
for distributing emergency information. When electrical lines are 
knocked down and Internet and mobile networks become inoperable, 
broadcasters are the last line of defense--transmitting public safety 
information over the airwaves.
  Local television and radio stations play a critical role in ensuring 
public safety. Now is the time to expand their ability to provide 
emergency notifications. Increasingly, the American people have access 
to mobile phones. By equipping these devices to receive FM radio 
signals, millions of Americans could depend on their mobile phones to 
provide critical information in advance of a weather emergency.
  As a former official with the Department of Homeland Security, I know 
first-hand how cell phone networks can become overloaded and inoperable 
during an emergency. By adopting this technology, broadcasters can 
provide timely information to mobile phones--enabling the American 
people to take shelter in advance of a weather emergency. I call upon 
my colleagues in Congress, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the 
Federal Communications Commission and the mobile phone industry to work 
together to expand the reach of local broadcasters in providing 
critical information during a weather emergency.
  I want to once again thank local broadcasters in my district for 
their essential role in promoting public safety.

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