A year after Hurricane Helene slammed Florida and plowed through several other states, U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody[1] is pushing a new bill that would require emergency AM radio information be made available to all drivers who might be in the path of a deadly storm.
Moody held a press conference on Treasure Island to promote the legislation. The area sustained extreme damage last year when Helene scraped Florida’s Gulf Coast, followed by Hurricane Milton only a few weeks later.
Moody announced that she’s cosponsoring the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act[2] now under consideration on Capitol Hill. The proposed measure would ensure every new vehicle being produced or sold in the U.S. would have a sound system with access to AM radio frequencies.
Those stations are the outlets that usually originate emergency alerts and news updates during emergency situations. But fewer vehicles being produced are equipped with the AM dial.
“The one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton left widespread flooding and storm surge damage across our state. I am in Treasure Island today to speak with folks affected by these tragic storms last year, as well as promote important legislation that would sustain a vital emergency information source,” Moody said.
“The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would ensure all new vehicles remain equipped with this life-saving technology.”
The U.S. Emergency Alert System[3] often relies on AM radio stations to sound the alert first which is then transmitted to other broadcast outlets. In times of hurricane situations, those outlets distribute messages directly from the Federal Emergency Management Agency[4] and the National Weather Service[5].
AM radio stations cover about 90% of the U.S. population. AM radio possesses the technical ability to broadcast messages further distances than FM counterparts. AM is also often more reliable and maintains broadcast messages as other transmission methods break down during intense events.
Treasure Island Fire Chief Trip Barrs said he’s grateful for Moody’s efforts to require AM radio capabilities for all new vehicles.
“Treasure Island Fire and Police Departments support Sen. Ashley Moody’s legislation to require AM radios in all vehicles, recognizing AM radio as a vital, resilient source of emergency communication — especially in rural areas or during disasters,” Barrs said.
“AM signals travel long distances, require minimal power, and remain operational when internet, cell service, and power grids fail. As a core part of the Emergency Alert System, AM radio delivers real-time, verified information that can save lives when every second counts.”
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References
- ^ Ashley Moody (www.moody.senate.gov)
- ^ AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act (www.congress.gov)
- ^ Emergency Alert System (www.fcc.gov)
- ^ Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov)
- ^ National Weather Service (www.weather.gov)