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  • Author Author: Eavesdropper
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Feds join with mobile carriers to implement new emergency alert system

Eavesdropper

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A new emergency alert system is set to go into effect in April geared towards mobile devices. Called the ‘Wireless Emergency Alerts’, the system was developed by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and most major wireless carriers to bring free emergency text alerts to mobile devices. The system is initiated by local, state or national officials who in-turn alerts a Federal aggregator (central hub) which translates the alert message into a specified software format that is able to be used by mobile carriers.

 

The translated alert is then sent to cell towers (if they haven’t been destroyed) in that particular area of disaster. CMAS-enabled (Commercial Mobile Alert System) mobile devices will then receive a special ring-tone and vibration in the geo-targeted area notifying the user of the emergency. As of now the WEA system will use three kinds of alert messages; Presidential: for national emergencies issues by the president or designee (terrorist, financial melt-downs and alien invasions?). Imminent Threat Alerts: NOAA severe weather alerts and other man-made or natural disasters. And finally Amber Alerts: for missing or exploited children. All messages are limited to 90 characters.

 

Unlike traditional text messages that aren’t point-aware, the WEA system is a point-to-multipoint generator meaning only those affected in that area (regardless of phone origin or area code) will receive that message. So, if you’re from Chicago but visiting Denver when an emergency occurs, you will be notified if you’re in the path of eminent doom. However, people will be able to opt-out of the imminent threat and amber alerts. Presidential alerts are mandatory.

 

According to the CTIA (International Wireless Association) the bulk of alerts will be weather related with advisements for tornados, earthquakes and floods and will give the user important information (such as seeking shelter) based on the specific alert. The system sounds like it will be very useful, but what happens if you’re riding out an earthquake while in the middle of a violent storm that produces a tornado?

 

Most mobile carriers will display the image below if the device is capable with the alert system.


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Eavesdropper

  • A few weeks ago I interviewed someone from CMAS-competitor Alert Systems who was very critical of CMAS.  Alert Systems pointed out that their system allows authorities to draw polygons on a map on a tablet computer that defines the boundaries of who will get an alert.  It also allows people to subscribe to interest groups, such as their kids' schools, that will notify them of emergenicies at that location regardless of where they are.  They also have a smoke-detector-like device that goes off at various volumes depending on the severity of the peril heading for the home. 

     

    I don't mean to promote their system.  I'm just remembering the points Mr. Post made to me during our interview.  I would be happy to talk to a supporter of CMAS and learn the other side of the story. 

     

    If I take what this article says and what Alert Systems told me at face value, the question is how many bells and whistles we want on our system.  Follow the link at the beginning of this comment to read about my interview with Alert Systems.

  • This is the first application that might actually tempt me into getting a smart phone.

    The quicker you can communicate a warning, the more time people have to find cover or help locate a perpatrator.

    I would also add an application that would allow someone to send instant updates to the authorities if they have information pertaining to the event.  It could aid authorities in tracking the event and reducing search areas.  Both would lead to a more efficient search and rescue effort.

     

    Just a thought,

    DAB