Attorney General Brenna Bird calls for AM radio in all cars and warns of cleanup-related scams

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is pushing for every car, including modern vehicles, to have AM radio.

She says it’s important for safety, even though so few people listen to AM radio now.

A handful of automakers no longer include AM radios in newer vehicles. They point to the decline in AM listeners and that electric motors can interfere with AM stations. This comes from a report in the Washington Post.

First responders and politicians have pushed automakers to keep AM radio. They say important weather and safety alerts are broadcast over AM radio.

Bird requires that every car manufactured have AM radios.

Congress is currently considering a bill that would do just that.

This comes as communities recover from Hurricane Helene and prepare for Milton.

“When we as a country face things like hurricanes or flooding and tornadoes here in Iowa, it’s important to have a good emergency alert network, and AM radio is a very important part of that.” It’s very important to have it in “To have a vehicle so people can be safe on the roads,” Bird said. “AM radio is something that benefits the entire country. Congress is considering passing a law to ensure new cars have AM radio. This is so important for safety, especially with the coming hurricanes and even some natural disasters we have experienced here in Iowa.”

Scams often appear after natural disasters. Bird said Iowans need to be careful about donating money to hurricane recovery.

“Make sure it’s a legitimate organization. If you are unsure, look for one because scams pop up in times of natural disasters,” Bird said. “We’ve seen Iowa homeowners get taken advantage of looking for repairs after disasters, but that happens with donations too, so do your homework.” Don’t donate out of emotion. Look at this, help the people of Florida and North Carolina, but do your homework.”

The Better Business Bureau repeats this warning.

If you feel compelled to donate, be careful and research charities before sending money.

Charities can be researched on the website Give.org.

People living in affected areas need to be wary of contractors chasing the storm, claiming they can get insurance money quicker.

For those of us not in the destruction zone, we could see calls, texts and emails from scammers asking for donations.

“Do not give the money to scammers who are probably not even in the United States. They’re going to create these charities that may be written similarly to other charities, so find some proven charities that do good work,” said Bobby Hansen of the BBB.

Vice President Kamala Harris released a statement Wednesday morning warning people about price gouging and fraud.

Your statement is:

Let’s all be clear: Americans affected by a crisis should never be defrauded.

I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of price gouging during an emergency. As California’s attorney general, during the devastating wildfires that displaced thousands of residents, I dealt with those who sought to take advantage of the situation by raising hotel rates. As a senator, I worked to stop price gouging during the pandemic.

Those evacuating from Hurricane Milton or recovering from Hurricane Helene should not face illegal price gouging or fraud – at the gas pump, at the airport or at the hotel counter. Any company or individual attempting to exploit Americans in an emergency situation should know that the government is monitoring for allegations of fraud and price gouging and will hold those who take advantage of the situation accountable.

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