Abstract: One telephone system embodiment having an alert module includes a base unit and at least one handheld unit. The base unit has a processor in data communication with a telephone network interface, a radio receiver, a first local transmitter, a first local receiver, and a first computer memory having a first program. The handheld unit has a processor in data communication with a second local receiver, a second local transmitter, a microphone, a speaker, and a second computer memory having a second program. At least one of the first and second programs includes instructions for passing signals between a telephone network on one end and the microphone and the speaker on another end. At least one of the first and second programs includes instructions for presenting an emergency warning through the speaker upon receipt of alert data from an emergency broadcast radio transmitter.

Abstract: One telephone system embodiment having an alert module includes a base unit and at least one handheld unit. The base unit has a processor in data communication with a telephone network interface, a radio receiver, a first local transmitter, a first local receiver, and a first computer memory having a first program. The handheld unit has a processor in data communication with a second local receiver, a second local transmitter, a microphone, a speaker, and a second computer memory having a second program. At least one of the first and second programs includes instructions for passing signals between a telephone network on one end and the microphone and the speaker on another end. At least one of the first and second programs includes instructions for presenting an emergency warning through the speaker upon receipt of alert data from an emergency broadcast radio transmitter.