Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)
Success Stories
The mission of the IPAWS program is to implement the public alert and warning requirements of Executive Order 13407, thereby reducing loss of life and property in the event of a disaster. To that end, IPAWS accomplished several key initiatives during FY 2008:
- Successfully demonstrated the integration of new alert and warning technologies to assist the most vulnerable states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The pilots tested technologies that may be deployed to assist residents who do not understand English or who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Successfully tested a pilot of the Digital Emergency Alert System (DEAS) and subsequently awarded a contract to continue the work of National DEAS implementation through FY 2011. The pilot effort demonstrated that state, territorial, and local emergency management personnel can successfully integrate modern technologies into their operations centers.
- Participated in testing the IPAWS Mobile EAS, which will provide a deployable emergency alert and warning capability for use in restoring damaged public alert links in support of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in affected areas during emergencies. This testing further positioned IPAWS to provide emergency communications restoration in the event of a communications disruption.
- Issued an Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to facilitate the award of contracts for the construction of up to 26 additional Primary Entry Point (PEP) stations over the next three years, three of which (located in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida) have already been equipped. USACE will provide technical assistance, design services, construction of back-up power systems, including fuel storage, shelter systems, and installation of electrical surge protection communications systems and program origination equipment.
- Re-energized partnerships within the Federal alert and warning community, allowing for greater interoperability and common product development among FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Commerce.
Last Modified: Thursday, 26-Feb-2009 15:17:19 EST