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Prepare Now...Weather through later.....
3/8/2017 (Permalink)
Preparing for a disaster is the best way to make it through the disaster. Plan Prepare Persevere
IPAWS…. No it is not a fancy term for a program for pet lovers… it is an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System ( IPAWS)
Created by FEMA, to provide an effective way to get information quickly and accurately out to the public in times of emergencies. It is able to tap into all the major emergency networks such as Emergency Alert System (EAS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for any weather related problems, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) It is also used to send Presidential, AMBER and imminent threat alerts out. These messages can be sent through one or all of these channels to ensure that everyone that needs to be reached can be.
So what is NOAA.. It is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting forecasts, warnings, and emergency information 24 hours a day. It is a comprehensive weather and emergency information service available to the public. All Hazards messages include weather events, technological incidents such a chemical spills, AMBER alerts, and national emergencies. NWR also broadcasts EAS notices. A special radio receiver is required to receive NWR broadcasts. You can buy these receivers at many retail electronic stores, department stores, big box stores or even online. Make sure you are looking for the Public alert or NWR logo to ensure the radio meets the requirements. Models that identify as SAME ( Specific Area Message Encoding) will allow users to select alerts for specific geographic areas. For information on NOAA Weather radio All Hazards visit.
Local Jurisdiction Emergency Notification System:
Many local jurisdictions have an opt-in public alert and warning system. The opt-in systems requires you to sign up in order to receive the alert. Once you have signed up officials in your area can send you a text or email messages about local emergencies. Most opt-in systems all subscribers to choose the devices that receive alerts as well as the type of alerts. You may not be near a television or a radio when something happens a local text or email can be an extremely useful source for critical information. Small costs may be associated with receipt of the text message from your mobile carrier.
To find out what alerts are available in your area you can do a search online with your town, city, or county name and the word “Alerts”: You can go to the website for your local emergency management or public safety office, on contact these officials by phone.
Enhanced Telephone Notification (ETN) Systems;
In the event of an emergency local officials in many communities can send warning messages and instructions to individuals in an at risk areas through the ETN system. Such as a reverse 911 call. Most of these systems involve a land line phone system. At times they will allow a VOIP, and mobile through an opt-in process. So incase you do not have a land line check with local emergency management for information on this feature and its availability.
Out Door Sirens & or Voice Alert Systems
These systems are used to alert people outdoors of an immediate danger so they can take cover. It is not designed to be heard inside buildings or go through walls. Some communities while they have the siren in place it is no longer working. Please check with local officials to see if it is provided in your area.
Local School or Organization Notification Systems:
Many work places, schools, and community & Faith based organizations have systems in place to warn individuals of emergencies and provide tailored notifications to members. They are similar to the systems used but local emergency officials so check with the heads of these organizations and opt-in where you can.
Mobile APPS with Local alert functions.
FEMA APP ( Federal Emergency Management Association)
This will keep you updated on a vast array of emergency updates for up to 5 areas of the United States. There will be tips on how to stay safe, before, during and after over 20 various types of hazardous situations. You can customized it and save information for your families emergency plan. Receive and find driving directions to open shelters for disaster recovery. Submitting photos on the areas affected will help rescures find those most in need and keep tabs on everyone that needs assistance. This can be done through the disaster reporter feature. The app is available in English and Spanish and can be found through ITUNES or Google Play to learn more visit
American Red Cross APP
This app contains over 35 different types of severe weather and emergency alerts. You can choose the alerts you want to receive and that are important to you based on your location or that of your loved ones. There is a “Family Safe” feature that allows you to notify others if an alert has been issued in the area as well letting you check to see if they are safe. It also has tips on what to do before a disaster strikes, how to keep yourself safe during and what to do after. It will also keep you update on were Red Cross Shelters will be should you need help. This again is in English and Spanish and be found in either ITUNES or Google Play. To learn more visit…
www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps
The Weather Channel App
This app tracks you guessed it weather and provides local forecasts. It will push out alerts of severe weathers to your mobile device as soon as they happen. This is free on ITUNES or Google Play. It can also be downloaded is APP world for black berry and windows phones at www.weather.com/apps
Recap of actions you can take to be prepared.
Confirm your mobile device can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts
Sign up for text or email alerts from your local jurisdiction
Consider purchasing a NOAA weather Radio All Hazards
If you do not have a land line check to see of your local community has operations set up for VOIP and or mobile phones to be connected to the ETN systems such as reverse 911.
Sign up for listservs and alerts for the workplace, schools, houses of worship or other community organizations you may want to hear from during an emergency
Download all relevant apps for appropriate alerts, hazards or warnings.
Create a list of all the alert systems available to you for your area. Make sure everyone in the household receives the alerts as part of your household communication system.
Organizations:
Test all of your emergency systems regularly to ensure proper working order. Also making sure everyone within the organization can be contacted.
Designate specific individuals to be responsible for distributing alerts from an official source.
Consider getting some NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
Develop a list of all the alert systems available for the communities surrounding the areas you service. This is especially important with multiple locations.
Encourage all of your employees to sign up for alerts and warnings. Assist them with finding the necessary information.
America’s PrepareAthon! Is a grassroots campaign for action to get more people prepared for emergencies. Make your actions count.