REP. BILIRAKIS HEARING ADDRESSES COMMUNICATION DURING EMERGENCIES.

WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by the office of Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis:

Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09), Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications, on Friday held a hearing to assess the country's communication capabilities during an emergency.

"The various disasters we have had in the country this year illustrate that timely communication is vital in an emergency and that the availability of critical information can help individuals protect themselves from harm," Bilirakis said. "Whether through television, radio, mobile devices, the internet, social media, reverse 911, or warning sirens, emergency personnel must have prompt and reliable means to provide information to their citizens."