Messages may report new cases or update previously reported cases. The block diagram below shows how messages are routed and handled. The entire text of the message is stored in a database. Certain alerts are routed to the Planner module for tentative resource allocation. This screen is the main interface used to process messages.
Some messages also trigger automated resource selection.
Cases being handled by a watchstander have on-line case folders created for them. These case folders are the same as the paper case folders currently prepared by watchstanders, and contain all information relevant to a case. The displayed information includes the type of case, the location, and the time of the first notification message. The Incoming Messages Board screen also contains a button bar that allows access to parts of the case folder. Some alerts are automatically forwarded to the TDSS planner.