Table of Contents
- IPAWS Welcomes Manuel Centeno as New Director!
- Alert Origination Software Grants
- IPAWS Leads National Discussion on Emergency Communications with the Public at National Convening of Risk and Crisis Communicators
- IPAWS Celebrates the One Year Anniversary of Hawaii PEP Station
- IPAWS, in Partnership with CISA and the FCC, Hosted the Second National Meeting of Alerting Officials
- IPAWS Connects with 9-1-1 Association at NENA Conference
- Follow the ONCP LinkedIn Page
- IPAWS Refreshes Independent Study Courses
- Coming Soon: The Alerting Tools Portal
- IPAWS on the Road
- Welcoming New IPAWS Alerting Authorities
We are thrilled to announce Manuel (Manny) Centeno is the new IPAWS Director. Director Centeno has been supporting IPAWS in different capacities since 2010. His work has integral to propelling the program to new heights. Chief among his accomplishments is his oversight of the National Public Warning System and the Primary Entry Point system which helped ensure emergency communications can reach more than 90% of the public under all conditions. His many successes also include leading the execution of the first Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test in 2011, directing the development of IPAWS’ satellite communications network, spearheading innovative solutions to protect critical systems from Electromagnetic Pulse, strengthening partnerships between IPAWS and the mass media industry, and leading the establishment of the IPAWS Laboratory and Technical Support Service Facility. FEMA IPAWS leadership and staff welcome Manny as the new Director of IPAWS!
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Sending and receiving alerts through IPAWS may be free, but Alerting Authorities must purchase an IPAWS-compatible alert origination software subscription to utilize the free system. For Alerting Authorities who require financial assistance with software subscriptions, the FEMA Grants Program Directorate (GPD) has confirmed that the following grants can be used towards alert origination software.
- Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)
- State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)
- Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP)
IPAWS is committed to uplifting underserved communities and promoting equity across State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial, (SLTT) authorities to ensure access to effective alerting. IPAWS strongly encourages SLTT authorities to apply for any grants they may qualify for to assist with the cost of alert origination software.
If you are interested in learning more about financial assistance visit: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness.
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IPAWS Leads National Discussion on Emergency Communications with the Public at National Convening of Risk and Crisis Communicators
IPAWS cosponsored the first National Convening of Risk and Crisis Communicators in June. The event brought together over 800 attendees to connect with leaders in government, academia, and private industry. Speakers included FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and more. IPAWS Director Manuel Centeno spoke on the everchanging landscape of emergency alerting and the need to adapt through implementing cross jurisdictional and cross sector approaches, integration of future technologies, and improved use of resilient alerting pathways that currently exist. This event is part of IPAWS’ continued efforts to bolster collaboration with our partners and users. We continue to listen, learn, and identify solutions to the challenges we face in emergency communications.
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IPAWS Celebrates the One Year Anniversary of Hawaii PEP Station
In March, IPAWS celebrated the one-year anniversary of Hawaii’s first Primary Entry Point (PEP) station and the expansion of the National Public Warning System (NPWS). The NPWS requires radio and TV broadcasters, cable TV, wireless cable systems, satellite, and wireline operators to provide the President with the capability to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency. PEP stations like the one added to Kahauiki Village, Hawaii are central to this larger system, serving as the initial broadcast for any national alerts. PEP stations are designed to continue operating after the most extreme emergency events and come equipped with back up communication and power-supply equipment. PEP stations can also be used by local authorities as an ultra-resilient option to maintain emergency communications with the public during local disasters.
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IPAWS, in Partnership with CISA and the FCC, Hosted the Second National Meeting of Alerting Officials
On April 30-May 1, 2024, IPAWS, CISA, and the FCC held the second National Meeting of Alerting Officials in Kansas City, Missouri. This two-day event featured interactive meetings with federal, state, tribal and territorial alerting officials from across the U.S., as well as industry partners, covering challenges and innovations in alerting. Alerting Officials gathered with government and industry partners to share and discover best practices for sending emergency communications to the public. IPAWS shared recent innovations such as the forthcoming IPAWS Training Certification Program and the IPAWS Third-Party Software Certification and Compliance Program. This event fostered strong relationships with individuals that are all working towards the same goal of strengthening emergency communications and alerting.
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IPAWS Connects with 9-1-1 Association at NENA Conference
FEMA IPAWS exhibited at this year’s National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Conference from June 30 to July 1 where we connected with individuals in 9-1-1 operations, technology, education, and policy. We thank NENA and all those who visited us at the conference. These opportunities to share our knowledge and hear from diverse voices on the front lines of emergency communications with the public help us ensure resilient emergency alerting today and inform the development of even better alerting solutions for tomorrow.
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Follow the ONCP LinkedIn Page
We encourage everyone to follow IPAWS on the Office of National Continuity Program’s (ONCP) LinkedIn page where we regularly post IPAWS news, updates, tips, events, and more. IPAWS is one of seven divisions under the Office of National Continuity Programs (ONCP). Following us on LinkedIn is a great way to stay connected to the world of emergency management for anyone interested in emergency continuity and (of course) IPAWS.
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IPAWS Refreshes Independent Study Courses
The success of IPAWS relies on the knowledge and skills of the individuals who are sending emergency alerts. The effective and equitable empowerment of Alerting Authorities is a high priority for IPAWS. The independent study courses, IS-247 and IS-251, aim to strengthen Alert Originators’ and Alerting Administrators’ skills, confidence, and abilities to successfully execute their role during emergencies. A refresh of both courses is currently underway. IS-247.C has been published and IS-251.B will be released later this Summer.
Changes align closely with real-world scenarios, incorporate foundational skill building and modernize content to reflect the most current standards and practices. Access to the courses has not changed; they will still be available online through the Emergency Management Institute website. Although it is not mandatory, if you have already taken the courses, IPAWS recommends Alerting Officials complete the latest version of the Independent Study courses to enhance your skills and stay up to date with the latest protocols and alerting support tools. Please look out for opportunities to provide the IPAWS team with feedback!
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Coming Soon: The Alerting Tools Portal
The Alerting Tools Portal is your free one-stop-shop for IPAWS testing and training resources, including:
- Message Design Dashboard
- Message Viewer
- IPAWS-OPEN Status Indicator
- Proficiency Demo Scenario Builder
The Alerting Tools Portal and the Message Design Dashboard will be fully released this summer.
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IPAWS on the Road/Upcoming Events
Stop by and meet the team at these upcoming conferences.
July 12-15, 2024: National Association of Counties (NACo) Conference
Tampa, Florida
Participants from counties of all sizes come together to shape NACo's federal policy agenda, share proven practices and strengthen knowledge networks to help improve residents’ lives and the efficiency of county government. IPAWS has attended this conference several times in the past to increase awareness and use of IPAWS among county leaders and discuss federal policy issues that impact counties and residents. It was determined that this will be an annual event for the team to attend based on previous success engaging with Public Safety Agencies and Officials. IPAWS will be at booth #808.
Aug. 4–7, 2024: Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
Orlando, Florida
APCO is the premier event for public safety officials, from frontline telecommunicators to comm center managers to public safety communications equipment and services vendors. APCO 2024 offers four days of educational sessions, committee meetings and special events, paired with two full days of exhibits. IPAWS will be at booth #2100.
Aug. 27–29, 2024: National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA) 2024 National Training
Las Vegas, Nevada
Join us in Las Vegas for three days of intensive training on the major issues facing Tribal Nations at this year’s NNALEA National Training Conference for Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, Emergency Services, Natural Resource and Environmental Protection professionals.
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Welcoming New IPAWS Alerting Authorities
These jurisdictions and agencies recently completed IPAWS Memoranda of Agreement (MOA).
The sign-up process is outlined on the IPAWS website at this link.
IL Clark County E-911
KY Campbell County Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
KY Oldham County Emergency Management
MO Webster County
PA Venango County
TX City of Pearland
WI Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department
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Contact IPAWS at fema-ipaws-stakeholder-engagement@fema.dhs.gov.
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