Representative Sharice Davids introduced the bipartisan Weather Alert Response and Notification Act (WARN Act) today, aimed at modernizing emergency alert systems across the country. Kansas, located in Tornado Alley, experienced issues with emergency sirens last year in counties like Johnson, Miami, Shawnee, Sedgwick, and the Kansas City area due to system overloads, weather damage, and human error.

In partnership with Representative Nicholas Langworthy, Davids proposed the WARN Act to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of these alert systems, ensuring Kansas communities receive timely warnings during severe weather events. The bill passed the U.S. House in 2024 with unanimous bipartisan support.

The WARN Act tasks the Government Accountability Office with evaluating local, state, and federal emergency alert systems. The legislation emphasizes adopting advanced technologies like mobile alerts and satellite communications to improve the clarity and reliability of warnings, supporting emergency managers in their disaster response efforts.