Washington, DC – Federal regulators approved a plan to create a nationwide emergency alert system using text messages delivered to cellphones.
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There would be three types of messages.
The first would be a national alert from the president, probably involving a terrorist attack or natural disaster.
The second would involve "imminent threats" that could include natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes or university shootings.
The third would be reserved for child abductions, so-called Amber alerts.
The alerts would be delivered with a unique audio signature or "vibration cadence." The service could be in place by 2010. [AP]