James Secures Multilingual Emergency Alerts: Lives on the Line

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today hailed a long-fought victory as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an order mandating the expansion of mobile emergency alerts to include American Sign Language and 13 additional languages. For years, a critical gap in public safety communication has left millions vulnerable – a gap James vowed to close.

“This is a watershed moment for the millions of New Yorkers, and families across the country, who will no longer be left in the dark during emergencies and natural disasters,” James stated. “The ability to protect yourself and your loved ones shouldn’t hinge on what language you speak. I am proud to have worked alongside my fellow Attorneys General and advocates nationwide to push this rule across the finish line. This linguistic expansion will save lives.”

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) – those short, text-like messages blasted from government agencies via mobile carriers – are a frontline defense against imminent threats. From severe weather to missing persons, these alerts represent one of the most effective public warning tools in the US. But for too long, that protection was limited. For years, alerts were exclusively issued in English, with Spanish added more recently. That meant a significant portion of the population, particularly those with limited English proficiency, were effectively shut out of vital life-saving information.

The breakthrough comes after years of relentless pressure from Attorney General James, culminating in a multi-state demand letter to the FCC in November 2025. Today, the FCC officially published its Multilingual Alert Order in the Federal Register, extending access to the 13 most spoken languages and American Sign Language. Mobile carriers now have until June 12, 2028, to upgrade their systems and deliver alerts in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional), French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language.

The impact in New York alone is substantial. Approximately 1.3 million residents statewide who do not speak English or Spanish will now have access to critical information during emergencies. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about equity and ensuring everyone has a fighting chance when disaster strikes. The Attorney General’s office emphasizes that this expansion is a direct result of persistent advocacy and a commitment to serving all communities within New York.

While the 2028 implementation date provides carriers with a window to adapt, James’ office will continue to monitor progress and advocate for swift action. The fight for equitable access to information isn’t over, but this FCC order marks a significant step forward in building a more resilient and inclusive emergency preparedness system for all New Yorkers. The office expects this to be a model for other states to follow, improving safety nationwide.