The Federal Communications Commission is slated to vote on a proposal Jan. 30 that would update the agency's wireless emergency alerts system, The Hill reports.
The wireless emergency alerts system is a public safety program that enables government officials to send text messages to cell phone users about Amber Alerts, White House alerts and warnings related to severe weather or terrorist attacks.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said government officials participating in the wireless emergency alerts system would be required to send warnings in a more "geographically targeted manner" under the proposal, according to The Hill.
"This would encourage more local officials to use these alerts during emergencies as well as lead Americans to take more seriously the alerts they receive on their mobile devices," Mr. Pai said in a statement.
The proposed update follows a spate of recent natural disasters across the U.S., according to The Hill.