The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is a modernized system for alerting and warning the public about serious emergencies. It is a comprehensive, coordinated, integrated, flexible, and community-based approach to ensure that the entire public receives alerts and warnings quickly and effectively.
What is IPAWS?
IPAWS is a national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones, radio, television, and internet-based services. It is a product of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is designed to help alert originators—those responsible for issuing emergency alerts—reach as many people as possible.
Why is IPAWS Important?
IPAWS is crucial because it ensures that alerts and warnings reach the right people at the right time. It allows alert originators to issue alerts to specific geographic areas, ensuring that only those who need to take action receive the alert. This targeted approach reduces panic and confusion during emergencies.
How Does IPAWS Work?
IPAWS works by integrating multiple alert and warning systems into a single platform. When an alert originator issues an alert, IPAWS disseminates the information through various communication pathways to ensure it reaches the public. These pathways include the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and other public alerting systems.
Who Can Use IPAWS?
IPAWS is available to federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial alerting authorities. To use IPAWS, an alerting authority must be legally responsible for public safety and protection, have a system that can send IPAWS-compatible alerts, and complete the necessary FEMA training, including the IS-247.B course.
IS-247.B: IPAWS for Alert Originators
The IS-247.B course is designed to provide alert originators with the knowledge and skills necessary to use IPAWS effectively. The course covers the basics of IPAWS, its capabilities, how to access and use the system, and best practices for creating and sending alerts.
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to understand the benefits and capabilities of IPAWS, identify the steps to gain authorization to use IPAWS, and demonstrate how to create, send, update, and cancel an alert using IPAWS.
Conclusion
IPAWS is a vital tool for alert originators to communicate with the public during emergencies. By integrating multiple alert and warning systems, IPAWS ensures that life-saving information reaches the public quickly and effectively. The IS-247.B course equips alert originators with the knowledge and skills necessary to use this system to its full potential.