Yesterday, FEMA illustrated its Geo-Targeted Alerting System (GTAS) project, a prototype application of plume modeling and high resolution weather models that may eventually be used for alerting the public.
The application is essentially a map-based notification interface, however, it is connected to some very useful data. First, it receives high-resolution weather data and modeling feeds from the National Weather Service. These feeds allow emergency managers to visualize areas in the path of dangerous weather (currently or forecasted) and to select these areas for the issuance of highly targeted public emergency notifications. Further, the app provides built-in collaboration tools so emergency managers can can work with outside experts to clarify the information being presented.
Second, it offers toxic plume modeling capabilities that, when combined with atmospheric information, provides detailed information on the dispersion patterns of toxic substances. This information can also be used to guide the issuance of public alerts. The application can apparently model more than 500 toxic substances (based on the CAMEO chemicals database).
The application is designed to utilize the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) for communicating with local emergency notification systems and National Weather Service transmitters. It will also interface with FEMA's upcoming Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) through CAP.
The system was piloted in four FEMA regions last year, and several more pilots are scheduled for this year. FEMA says it expects the application to be generally available to emergency managers by 2013.
All the best,
Lorin
To receive a comprehensive Galain Solutions white paper: "Notifications Alerts & Warnings, The Next Generation," email us your request at resources@galainsolutions.com.
Galain Solutions, Inc.
www.galainsolutions.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment