This voluntary program encourages wireless carriers like AT&T and Verizon Wireless to alert their subscribers of emergency situations via SMS messaging. Local messages are targeted at the county level.

“The ability to deliver accurate and timely warnings and alerts through cellphones and other mobile services is an important next step in our efforts to help ensure that the American public has the information they need to take action to protect themselves and their families prior to, and during, disasters and other emergencies,” commented FCC Chairman, Kevin J. Martin, after the plan was approved on Wednesday.

The new legislation, which consists mostly of technical standards, is based on recommendations by an advisory committee made up of public safety officials and telecom industry representatives.