Rep. Mullin Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Emergency Alert and Warning Systems in U.S.

Washington, D.C. - Seconds matter when a crisis strikes, and emergency alerts save lives when used properly. But recent floods in Texas and wildfires in California have highlighted, yet again, how alert failures can turn deadly. During National Preparedness Month, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced the Resilient Emergency Alert Communications and Training (REACT) Act.

This bipartisan bill would direct FEMA to provide more federal resources and authorize $30 million annually for local emergency officials to improve their alert and warning systems through increased testing, training, enhanced coordination and public education.

"Communities across the country face growing threats from disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and flooding from extreme storms that are only expected to worsen. Emergency alerts are an essential part of keeping people safe, and the federal government has a moral obligation to help local communities become better prepared," said Rep. Mullin. "In the wake of deadly floods in Texas and wildfires in Southern California, it's clearer than ever before that we need serious improvements to our country's emergency alert systems. My REACT Act would help ensure that when a disaster strikes, emergency alerts are sent, received, and understood."

The backbone of America's emergency notifications is FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which includes wireless emergency alerts that can be pushed to cell phones, as well as radio and tv alerts. These alerts can be sent by groups like the National Weather Service, as well as local emergency managers, though not every community has a local authority that participates. Some local agencies also use third-party systems that provide additional alerting flexibility. But to be truly effective, mere access to a warning system is not sufficient. Instead, many emergency management experts agree: systems must be tested before a real emergency occurs with trained operators, clear procedures, and an informed public.

The REACT Act aims to help communities test and improve their emergency alert systems by directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to:

• Offer technical assistance to state, local and tribal governments to improve emergency alert capacity and effectiveness
• Help develop evidence-based alert message templates and public education campaigns explaining how the those experiencing a disaster should respond
• Publish an annual report tracking which communities are conducting exercises, testing and public education of emergency alert systems
• Authorize $30 million annually through 2035 to support field training, live testing and community-based exercises of alert systems

Rep. Mullin developed the bill with input from emergency managers and experts who are studying the effectiveness of current alert and warning systems. Rep. Mullin announced the bill during a press conference with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi; San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie; San Mateo County Executive Officer Mike Callagy; San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen; Mary Ellen Carroll, Executive Director of San Francisco's Department of Emergency Management; and Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, Director of San Mateo County Emergency Management.

"As Mayor of San Francisco, the safety our residents is my number one priority-which means preparing residents, our families, and neighborhoods for whatever comes our way. In San Francisco, we're doing our part to be prepared: Launching ReadySF, modernizing our water supply systems, and working to fully staff our first responder departments," said Mayor Daniel Lurie. "The REACT Act will help us keep San Francisco safe, California strong, and our nation ready. Thank you to Congressman Mullin, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and to all those who worked on this legislation."

"San Francisco is safer when residents get the right message at the right time," said Mary Ellen Carroll, Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. "The REACT Act would support local agencies like ours with critical tools, training, and federal resources to provide clear, actionable alerts when it matters most."

"Reaching our community quickly and accurately in an emergency is critical and a key piece of making sure that happens is having the resources to continually improve our warning systems," said San Mateo County Executive Mike Callagy. "I am proud that we have federal leaders like Congressman Mullin who recognize that need and are stepping up to support testing and training. Because it is not a matter of if we'll need these systems someday, but when. And when we do, we want the ability to help our residents stay safe."

"In emergencies, minutes matter. Alerts and warnings are the dividing line between danger and safety, giving people the time they need to act, said Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, Director of San Mateo County Emergency Management. "This legislation by Congressman Mullin strengthens that lifeline - ensuring our communities receive faster, clearer, and more reliable information when it matters most."

"The REACT Act strengthens our nation's ability to deliver timely, trusted, and effective alerts by funding real-world testing, training, and public education. These activities are essential to making U.S. alert and warning systems more reliable," said Hamilton Bean, Professor and Chair, Department of Communication, University of Colorado Denver.

The REACT Act is cosponsored by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11) and Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14).

Full bill text is available here.

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