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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comment on proposals to modernize the nation's emergency alerting systems, including several changes aimed at improving access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The proposals are part of a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking the FCC adopted on June 25, covering both the Emergency Alert System, which interrupts television and radio, and Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are sent to mobile phones.
The FCC is asking for input on whether to add symbols or other visual elements to alert messages so that people can quickly identify the type of emergency, which could improve comprehension for people who cannot rely on the audio portion of an alert. It is also seeking comment on adding text-to-speech functionality to alerts for earthquakes and other events. More broadly, the proceeding asks how alerts might be tailored to how each person receives them, including options for language, screen placement, font size, and text-to-speech. Wireless Emergency Alerts have been sent more than 78,000 times and are credited with saving lives during hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, but the FCC has noted gaps that limit their effectiveness for some people, including those with disabilities.
The public can file comments in the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System under PS Docket Nos. 15-91, 15-94, and 25-224. The FCC takes public input in two stages. In the first stage, which closed August 31, anyone could file an initial comment stating their views on the proposals. In the second stage, open now, anyone can file a reply comment, which responds to points other people raised during the first round, for example to support, challenge, or add to an argument already on the record. A person does not need to have filed an initial comment to file a reply comment. Reply comments are due September 29, 2026.
Learn more here.
