FCC votes to strengthen Wireless Emergency Alerts, a system that delivers critical warnings to Americans on wireless devices. #OpenMtgFCC — The FCC (@FCC) September 29, 2016

The updated rules also expand the range of Wireless Emergency Alerts to "more granular geographic areas," and require carriers to support Spanish-language messages. Additionally, the FCC has created a new type of alert, Public Safety Messages, which will outline essential and recommended actions that people in affected areas can take to save their lives or property. These include orders to boil water or the locations of emergency shelters. Finally, it will now be easier for state and local officials to test the WEA system and train personnel.

The WEA system went live in 2012. It became the center of attention earlier in September when New York City residents received a message about a suspected bomber that read, "WANTED: Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28-yr-old male. See media for pic. Call 9-1-1 if seen." This was the first time that the WEA system was used as a wanted poster, as The New York Times characterized it.