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TREASURE ISLAND, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody is in Treasure Island today fighting for an important emergency safety bill, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, ahead of the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s landfall. Senator Moody is a cosponsor of this legislation that would ensure every new vehicle is equipped with AM radio capabilities. AM radio is often used to deliver emergency alerts and news, and fewer new vehicles are available with this technology.
In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene sideswept Treasure Island on its way to landfall near Perry, causing widespread storm surge and flood damage. Two weeks later, Hurricane Milton hit Tampa Bay, compounding the damage already inflicted and exacerbating the emergency situation. The combined debris collected in Treasure Island after the two storms was swept into a mass pile measuring 50 feet high and up to 150 feet wide at one point after the storms.
Senator Ashley Moody said, “The one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton left widespread flooding and storm surge damage across our state. I am in Treasure Island today to speak with folks affected by these tragic storms last year, as well as promote important legislation that would sustain a vital emergency information source. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would ensure all new vehicles remain equipped with this life-saving technology.”
Treasure Island Fire Chief Trip Barrs said, “Treasure Island Fire and Police Departments support Senator Ashley Moody’s legislation to require AM radios in all vehicles, recognizing AM radio as a vital, resilient source of emergency communication—especially in rural areas or during disasters. AM signals travel long distances, require minimal power, and remain operational when internet, cell service, and power grids fail. As a core part of the Emergency Alert System, AM radio delivers real-time, verified information that can save lives when every second counts.”
AM radio stations are the backbone of the nation’s Emergency Alert System. Nearly 80 AM radio stations across the country are Primary Entry Points for emergency alerts distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service. Those stations, alone, cover approximately 90% of the US population and ensure that state and federal agencies can quickly, dependably, and economically distribute life-saving information across vast geographical areas. AM radio signals travel greater distances as compared to FM, and citizens can receive information via AM radio even when phone lines, electricity, and cell phones are inoperable.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would mandate the Department of Transportation to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities be standard in all new passenger vehicles. The bill applies to passenger vehicles made in the U.S. for sale in the U.S., imported into the U.S., or shipped in interstate commerce. Prior to the rule’s effective date, manufacturers that do not include AM radio devices as standard equipment must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling and may not charge an additional fee for AM radio access.
To read the bill click here.
When Senator Moody was serving as Florida’s Attorney General last year, she led 16 other attorneys general in calling on Congress to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024.
September is National Preparedness Month and also represents the peak of hurricane season. Senator Moody is urging Floridians to be ready to weather any potential storm strikes.
Senator Moody offers the following tips to help Floridians prepare for a hurricane strike or in the aftermath of a storm:
- Know evacuation routes and shelter locations;
- Stock up on enough food, water and emergency supplies for the entire household for at least seven days well before a storm is expected to strike;
- Check that storm-related products are hurricane-proof or impact-proof before purchasing;
- Verify charities are legitimate before donating for disaster-related storms; and
- Beware of solicitors using high-pressure tactics, such as demanding urgent donations or sharing limited information when soliciting donations.
Floridians can stay informed about serious storm events using the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website, FloridaDisaster.org. Floridians can monitor a storm’s progression and the latest weather alerts using NOAA’s Hurricane Center by visiting NHC.NOAA.gov. For additional storm prep tips, Floridians can access FDEM’s free Hurricane Guide here.
In the event of an incoming tropical storm or hurricane, Floridians should look for further guidance from local officials and emergency authorities.
In the aftermath of a storm, Senator Moody’s Constituent Services team stands ready to assist Floridians.
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