/ Refines geographic targeting 09.03.2012 05:47PM
FEMA Improves IPAWS Platform
WASHINGTON: FEMA is making it easier for those who originate emergency
alerts, usually governmental agencies, to enter those messages into FEMA’s Web-based Integrated
Public Alert and Warning System. FEMA plans to enable new features for the IPAWS platform in September when the
agency debuts OPEN v3.02, according to broadcast engineer and long-time EAS expert, Gary Timm, now an alerting
consultant with SRA.
The government agency has two active servers for the system, to boost
reliability, he writes on the Alerts,
Warnings & Response to Emergencies blog. Two new features for the system will make it easier for alert originators to
use and better target what area gets an alert. When enabled, alert originators
will be able to use polygon and circle geographic descriptions of an alerted
area, instead of just the county FIPS code, according to Timm.
Another new feature will also allow alert originators to more narrowly target
who gets a message. Using so-called “Channelblock” does just what it sounds
like, allowing the originator to leave out certain geographic areas when the
message goes out. That could be leaving out certain IPAWS dissemination
channels like EAS, CMAS, or non-weather emergency messages aired on NOAA
Weather Radio, according to Timm.
This capability exists now, but the new feature makes it easier for alert
originators to use. FEMA is also adding a “Non-EAS Public” alert dissemination channel to the
system. ~ from Radio World