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
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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
- 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
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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
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
Monday, September 20, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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
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
Sunday, September 12, 2010
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
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
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