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                      Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS)
              
                                  
            
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          Integrated Public Alert & Warning System
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The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) is FEMA's national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System, and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Radio. Learn more from the IPAWS 101 Fact Sheet.



Graphic for IPAWS Celebrating 10 Years of Wireless Emergency Alerts



Graphic
              A graphic showing a hand holding an iPhone, which is displaying an example of the national text.Myths and Facts



IPAWS is FEMA's national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through WEA, EAS and NOAA Weather Radio. However, misperceptions and myths about IPAWS routinely find their way onto social media and even major news networks.



Review the Myths and Facts






News and Updates


IPAWS 101 Now AvailableDownload IPAWS 101: America’s System for Local Emergency Alerting for an introductory explanation of IPAWS, its benefits, and how local Public Safety Officials can sign up and use IPAWS to protect their communities.



Download IPAWS 101PDF Link Icon
    FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Oct. 4, Sending Messages to all TVs, Radios and Cell PhonesFEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.



Read More About the Test
  
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Recorded Webinars
    
      All sessions were recorded. If the recording is not available yet in the links below, check back soon.
      
      Sep27

Sep27
    IPAWS Users Conference September 27 10AM
        2023-09-27T14:00:00
2023-09-27T18:05:00
Virtual
Sep 27, 2023
Sep 27, 2023
Sep 27, 2023 EST
-Sep 27, 2023 6:05 p.m. EST
        Virtual
      The IPAWS Users Conference - 2023
      FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is excited to announce the 3rd annual IPAWS Users Conference.
  
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How IPAWS Sends Alerts



IPAWS allows Alerting Authorities to write their own message using commercially available software that is Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) compliant. The message is then delivered to the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS OPEN), where it is authenticated and then delivered simultaneously through multiple communication pathways. Through IPAWS, one message is created to reach as many people as possible to save lives and protect property.



Utilizing multiple pathways for public alerts increases the likelihood that the message will successfully reach the public. IPAWS is structured to facilitate this functionality.



Graphic
              Diagram shows Alerting Authorities consisting of local agencies, state-wide agencies, tribal governments, territorial agencies, and federal agencies initiating requests through IPAWS OPEN to send alerts, warnings, and notifications via the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Internet-Based Services & unique state and local alert systems.



Communication Pathways



The Emergency Alert System (EAS) delivers alerts via AM, FM and satellite radio, as well as broadcast, cable and satellite TV.



Cell phones and mobile devices receive Wireless Emergency Alerts based on location, even if cellular networks are overloaded and can no longer support calls, text and emails.



The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) delivers alerts through NOAA Weather Radio.



Alerts are also available from internet service providers and unique system developers.



State, local, territorial, and tribal alerting systems such as emergency telephone networks, giant voice sirens, and digital road signs may also receive alerts from IPAWS-OPEN, and future alerting technologies and systems can easily be integrated into IPAWS.



IPAWS Tools by Audience



Whether you're sending, receiving, developing or communicating about alerts, find the tools you need for your role in the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System.



General Public



Where You Receive Alerts?Wireless Emergency AlertsEmergency Alert SystemAMBER AlertsAlerting People with DisabilitiesIPAWS Program Governance



Policies and National PartnersTribal Government Partners



Public Safety Officials



How to Become an Alerting AuthorityIPAWS Program Planning ToolkitIPAWS Online TrainingIPAWS WebinarsIPAWS Technical Support Services FacilityState and Local WEA TestingAlert Origination Software Providers



Broadcasters & Wireless Providers



Emergency Alert System ParticipantsCommercial Mobile Service ProvidersNational Public Warning System



IPAWS Technology Vendors & Developers



Common Alerting ProtocolIPAWS-OPENInternet Services, Unique Systems and Future SystemsIPAWS at OpenFEMA



alert - info**Have a Question?**Visit ourFrequently Asked Questions page.Email us or call 1-844-729-7522 for any further questions.



About the IPAWS Program



FEMA established the IPAWS program in 2006 by Presidential Executive Order 13407. Today there are more than1,800 federal, state, local, tribal and territorial alerting authorities that use IPAWS to send critical public alerts and warnings in their jurisdictions.



Mission



IPAWS is guided by its mission to provide integrated services and capabilities to federal, state, territorial, tribal and local authorities that enable them to effectively alert and warn their respective communities via multiple communications methods.



Vision



To provide trusted timely alert and warning to people affected by threats to public safety in the preservation of life and property.
Last updated April 4, 2024

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