FEMA Approves CAP 1.2

FEMA has announced that it has approved the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) version 1.2. This means that industry now officially knows how to properly format CAP messages to conform to a standard that's taking hold. And, it means that emergency managers now know what standard to ask their vendors to meet so that emegency alerting messages are spoken in the same language to facilitate more diverse modes of communication.

The industry sector most focused on the CAP 1.2 standard at the moment are the vendors who make equipment that support the Emergency Alert System (EAS). FEMA, the FCC, and broadcasters are modernizing and enhancing EAS. CAP 1.2 is an integral part. With the FEMA announcement made, the FCC now starts a 180-day clock ticking for requiring broadcasters to have CAP 1.2 equipment in place. Some broadcasters and equipment makers say the CAP standard is not enough, that they need still more information before they can put new EAS equipment to work. Lisa Fowlkes of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau today (Thursday) told radio broadcasters at the Radio Show conference that their concerns are being heard and reviewed by the FCC.

Implementation details aside, emergency managers and broadcasters should be communicating about how new EAS works and what new opportunities it presents. We know of at least at least two capital cities who are using EAS modernization as an opportunity to put new equipment in place so the local EMA will have ability to activate EAS without going through the National Weather Service or the state. Perhaps others who don't have this capability should be discussing the same. And, certainly, as we've posted before, this would be a good time for emergency management officials to sit down with their local broadcasters to talk about how they can work together toward a better informed public.

All the best,


Rick

EMA Directors and Broadcasters, Unite!

We had an opportunity last week to attend a meeting between a county emergency management agency and local broadcasters in a mid-sized community in the mid-west. Over twenty members of the local Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) were there to talk about how they could work better with local emergency management. OK, let's face it. Broadcast engineers are not necessarily an exciting lot. But, in this meeting, they were getting excited.

There were a couple of things getting them excited. First, they were trying to understand new requirements surrounding the Emergency Alert System (EAS). EAS is being digitized, so the broadcasters must buy new equipment that will receive messages based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). Before too long, FEMA will announce that it has approved the CAP 1.2 standard. Broadcasters will then have 180 days to put new equipment in place. When asked how they feel about the requirement, they slapped me around a bit and said, in effect, "it doesn't matter how we feel, we're going to do it because it's a requirement".

The second thing getting them excited, and this is really the point of the post, was the fact that the county had taken the initiative to get their opinion about the county's plans to enhance its notification program - sirens, telephone notification, etc included. This excitement was positive. They clearly appreciated the county asking for input. And, the main theme of their input was, make sure other notification technologies used by the county also follow CAP standards. They liked the idea of the same message, in the same format, being used to activate EAS and other notification tools. (Now, this is not to suggest that EAS is activated everytime the county uses their other notification tools.)

Certainly, it's not uncommon for local public safety and broadcasters to work together. But, this would be a good opportunity for emergency management and other public safety to step up engagement with broadcasters and local cable companies. The CAP requirements have them talking. So, why not seize the opportunity to sit down with them, hear their concerns, and talk about ways to better work together? Local SBE chapters are a good place to start.

All the best,

Rick

Radio Used as Backbone for Notification Test

This week, Metis Secure Solutions announced the completion of a project funded by FEMA to illustrate the effectiveness of sending emergency alerts through the FM Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) method. RBDS is a U.S. radio industry standard for transmitting digital information to radio receivers. It's the technology that drives your ability to see song/artist information on a car radio, and can be used to deliver other types of data such as emergency alert messages.

There were four tests--one of them originating with the common alerting protocol (CAP) format. Each alert activated voice, text, lights and sirens (these devices are capable of receiving and interpreting the radio signal). Alert text was sent in English and Spanish, and the alert voice was activated in English, Spanish, and Korean.

Typically, mass notification systems rely on Internet protocols or mobile phone networks. It will be interesting to see what future applications emerge as this radio-oriented concept continues to gain traction.

Best regards,

Lorin

FEMA Conducting National Alert & Warning Inventory

Emergency managers, don't be surprised to hear from a FEMA contractor with lots of questions about your local public alert and warning systems. FEMA is doing a nationwide inventory to find out the depth of alert and warning systems across the country. Here are some of the things you may be asked:

- What functions are your system designed to accomplish, and how often is it used?

- Who has authority to activate, and under what conditions?

- What's your system's brand and age? Are you pleased with it?

- What are the costs: maintenance, labor, utility, and training?

- Is the system accredited/certified?

- Is the system backed-up and how?

Plus, FEMA wants to know if you have public alert and warning systems that are not currently operational or cause a distraction for one reason or another. And, if you have desires for systems you don't already have, FEMA wants to know about that, too.

The survey is being conducted by a contractor for the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) program. Results will be used to help IPAWS accomplish its Congressional and Presidential mandates to provide integrated services and capabilities to state and local authorities to enable them to alert and warn communities through multiple communications methods.

At this point, the most "mature" IPAWS initiatives are digitizing the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and working toward a 2012 launch of cellular broadcast alerts through CMAS (Commercial Mobile Alert System). IPAWS has also been showing off a demo system that uses a wide array of communications methods...lots of lights flashing, and sounds blaring. (Congress is getting a demo of it this week.)

We're interested in getting comments on IPAWS, in learning more about what people know about IPAWS, and how IPAWS can do a good job of making sure the right people know about it. Feel free to contact me at rick.wimberly@galainsolutions.com or Lorin at lorin.bristow@galainsolutions.com or comment through the post.

All the best,


Rick

3 Alerting Companies Make Top Growth List

Three companies that sell emergency notification solutions have made "The Inc. 5000". The Inc. 5000 is Inc. business magazine's list of the 5000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. The three companies are MIR3, Amcom, and Send Word Now.

MIR3 finished 865th with reported growth of 348%. Amcom was 895th with 336% growth. Send Word Now finished in place 1228 with 243% growth.

MIR3 and Send Word Now appear to focus primarily on the private sector, but claim government customers, too. Amcom sells lots of other public safety stuff, in addition to automated notification.

With major changes ahead for the industry, we'll be interested in seeing who finishes where next year.

All the best,

Rick

New Jersey Looking to Create a Specialized Notification Registry

New Jersey is in the process of passing a bill to create a specialized emergency notification registry. The voluntary registry would be used specifically to notify family members when a person is involved in a serious automobile accident.

According to an AP article by Bruce Shipowski, the measure would allow individuals with a New Jersey driver's license or state identification card to submit the name and telephone number of an emergency contact to the Motor Vehicle Commission. If the person is seriously injured or killed in an auto accident, law enforcement personnel would use the registry to notify the emergency contact.

The measure is known as "Sara's Law," in honor of Sara Dubinin, a 19-year-old resident of Sayreville, NJ who was critically injured in an auto accident. It took responders 90 minutes to determine her identity and notify her parents. Tragically, Sara slipped into a coma en route to the hospital and never regained consciousness.

While this is not a mass notification solution of the type we typically discuss here, it will be interesting to follow nevertheless for two reasons. First, state-wide notification initiatives of various types are being considered across the country. Though limited in scope, this is another example of a state legislature recognizing the need for some form of notification system.

Second, assuming this measure passes, it will be interesting to see how the public responds to sign-ups. Convincing citizens to sign up for voluntary registries is no small feat as evidenced by notification programs across the country. However, the simplicity and focused nature of the program may compel people to participate. It's reminiscent of the "ICE (In Case of Emergency)" initiative where people are encouraged to enter emergency contact information in their mobile devices under the heading of "ICE". This idea was conceived in 2005 by an EMT in the United Kingdom and has spread virally across the globe in a relatively short amount of time.

Will this pass and be a successful statewide initiative? Only time will tell. In the meantime, the public discussion certainly helps highlight an important issue.

Best regards,

Lorin

Watch Out for Fake EAS Tones

There's a radio commercial that's been airing in some markets that's accidentally setting off Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerts. The commercial by the gas company Arco uses the same tones used to activate EAS alerts.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) has put its members on alert. The problem exists only in markets where the Arco commercial is airing on local radio stations and, according to the SBE, where certain equipment is used by the local stations.

SBE has posted the commercial here.

Arco is owned by BP. Now, we have to wonder, BP, don't you have enough trouble already?

All the best,

Rick

When Good Notifications Go Bad

The Fourmile wildfire just outside of Boulder, Colorado is thankfully mostly contained as of this writing. However, discussions surrounding a partial failure of the county's emergency notification system may remain heated for some time. Just over 2600 residents did not receive emergency notification evacuation notices during the height of the wildfires.

The situation highlights a reality for emergency managers. No doubt, ENS technology is an indispensable technology for public safety. However, technologies fail and people make mistakes. So how should emergency officials respond when things don't go as planned with a notification? Here are a few tips to consider.

Have a backup plan.
Experienced emergency managers know you have to be prepared for any contingency. This holds true for notification as well. Consider the actions required if the ENS is not operational and develop response plans accordingly.

Preventing is better than fixing.
Some problems can be addressed before they arise through operator education and exercising. Consistent training and simulation is critical to keeping problems away before they start (or at least identifying problematic issues when there is no ongoing crisis with which to contend).

Don't forget to test.
Along these lines, make sure you frequently and regularly test both your systems and your procedures. We have seen agencies faithfully perform system tests, but forget to regularly evaluate internal procedures.

Keep citizens informed of problem causes and improvements.
It's never fun to be in the media cross hairs after a problem has occurred. However, it's important to be open and honest with what really happened. Accurately describing failures and communicating commitments about problem corrections will go a long way towards rebuilding trust.

From our perspective, officials in Colorado dealt with a difficult situation as well as one could hope. Everyone in the industry can learn from this event and prepare themselves should emergency notification events fail to meet expectations.

Best regards,

Lorin

Approaching Hurricane Stimulated Social Media for Alerts

Morris County, New Jersey has always appeared to us as being progressive in its emergency management practices. The county took another step recently when it appeared that Hurricane Earl was threatening the area. The county launched Twitter and Facebook alerts. A handful of people signed up, but enough for the county to get enthused about it.

We're hearing more and more of this type of alerting, and we like it. But, as the local newspaper The Daily Record reported the county's web master as saying "this system is meant to augment, not replace, existing emergency notification systems." Certainly, social media won't reach everyone...but, the number of people it's reaching is growing every day. (Even my mom is on Facebook.) And, it's really not that hard to set it up. It falls in beautifully with the "systems of systems" approach where multiple modes of communication are used simultaneously to issue alerts and warnings.

Way to go, Morris County!

All the best,

Rick

Microsoft Vine, the Emergency Notification Tool, is being Shut Down

Microsoft has announced it is abandoning its beta program for Vine. Vine was unveiled last mid-year as a tool for helping friends and family stay in touch during emergencies. As it was designed, it would have given individuals ability to post information that would help keep others updated during an emergency.

News feeds would have been available, such as information from local emergency managers. Facebook updates could have been used. But, mostly, it was a place where someone could post their status during an emergency so that others could check on them.

No word on why Microsoft has decided to kill Vine. But, we can't help but note that Facebook and Twitter have been creating a lot of buzz lately as tools for use in emergencies. We don't believe Microsoft's decision to shut down Vine is an indication of the public's appetite for this type of application during emergencies. Using social media for emergencies is beginning to be a way of life, ready or not.

All the best,

Rick

Emergency Management a Pawn in FM Chip Debate

There's quite a broohaha underway over whether chips for receiving FM broadcasts should be added to mobile devices. Emergency management is often mentioned.

Broadcasters argue loudly that FM chips should be placed in mobile devices to help support the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and information radio stations broadcast during critical events. Broadcasters want this so badly that the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) says it will support new music royalties for broadcasters, if the FM chips become mandatory.

NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton blogged that "Arguments against this pro-consumer feature have been long on exaggeration, rhetoric, and factual inaccuracies." Then, he listed a long post to counter criticism about radio-enabled mobile devices. Public safety was prominent among his arguments. In his post, he showed a sign posted by local authorities after a tornado touched down in Alabama, saying tune to a local radio station for directions and information.

On the other side of the argument are cellular carriers and the companies that make mobile devices. They say adding FM chips will shorten battery life and make the devices heavier and more costly. Six associations, including the Consumer Electronics Association, recently sent a letter to Congress saying, “Calls for an FM chip mandate are not about public safety but are instead about propping up a business which consumers are abandoning as they avail themselves of new, more consumer-friendly options.”

This has become a heated battle, one that emergency managers will want to watch.

All the best,

Rick

Promoting Preparedness with Community Notification

As most of you know, September is National Preparedness Month--a time to increase public awareness on preparing for disasters. Historically, compelling people to proactively ready themselves for bad things (particularly when no imminent threat exists) has proven to be difficult. For example, last year, the American Red Cross found in a national survey that 89% of Americans believed it was important to prepare for disasters, but only 57% said they had taken steps toward preparedness.

So how can emergency notification systems aid in citizen preparation?

Promoting preparedness with ENS.

ENS systems are powerful tools for informing citizens quickly and efficiently. As such, local agencies should consider using them to encourage citizen preparedness. While automated calls are not appropriate for imparting a great deal of detail, here is some information you may wish to communicate:

- Refer citizens to online resources such as www.ready.gov that describes items to include in preparedness kits (or better yet, refer them to your local emergency management site that includes this information).

- In addition to "hard goods" preparation such as water and flashlights, encourage the development of personal communications plans. Provide details on your website.

- Promote sign-ups for mobile devices. Make this an easily identifiable link on your preparedness web page. Even if your initial calls don't hit unregistered citizens (those with cell phones only), your message may reach them "virally" from those who do receive it.

- Encourage notification recipients to help others prepare (particularly at-risk populations such as the elderly and special needs citizens).

While the option of sending mass notifications may not be available to all emergency managers due to funding or data licensing issues, many can take advantage of this useful communications tool to remind citizens of their own role in responding to critical events. The end result is a safer, more protected population, which seems to me is the primary goal of a notification system anyway.

Best regards,

Lorin

More Mainsteam Media Attention for Alerts and Notifications

For the second time in the past months, emergency notification has received a nice plug from a national business publication. Inc. magazine, which touts itself as "The Magazine for Growing Companies", cited CiviGuard in a near-front-of-the-magazine article about Gov 2.0. Inc. says Gov 2.0 brings "the virtues of the Web to government". It described CiviGuard as a "high-tech version of the old emergency broadcast system. Alerts are distributed through smartphone apps and text messages."

In its July edition, Inc. did a profile on Nixle, a notification service that allows public safety to push out text alerts at no charge.

Interesting that such a widely read "mainstream" publication that doesn't focus on public safety has written articles twice recently about an industry that serves a niche market within public safety. It's also interesting that neither CiviGuard nor Nixle have historically strong market shares in the notification industry.

Is something afoot? Perhaps so. The notification and alerting "space" is becoming increasingly important (maybe even interesting), and the big-time players in the industry may be changing. Certainly, the large cell carriers are entering the field. See our recent post on Sprint and the State of California conducting the first pilot of CMAS, the Commercial Mobile Alerting Service. If the timeframes stick, by 2012, emergency managers throughout the country should be able to provide text alerts to cell phones within a selected geographic area...at no charge...through Sprint and other carriers.

Times, they are a'changin', and people, they are a'watchin'.

All the best,

Rick