Be Prepared.  Stay Informed.

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)

In 2006, following a series of national disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, the United States Congress passed the Warning, Alert, and Response Network (WARN) Act.  The law prompted the replacement of the Emergency Broadcast System with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).  IPAWS gives federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial public safety agencies the ability to send emergency messages simultaneously through Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerts, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio All Hazards System alerts.  Emergency messages sent via the IPAWS fall into three alert categories: Presidential, AMBER, and Imminent Threat.

 There is no need to sign up or subscribe to receive alerts from IPAWS.  Through IPAWS, public safety agencies can target specific geographic locations, ensuring only those in effected areas, including visitors, receive the notifications.  IPAWS also integrates images and has text-to-speech capabilities to accommodate community members with access and functional needs. 

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) 

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are emergency messages that are sent directly to any WEA-enabled mobile device in a geographically targeted area. When an alert is issued through the IPAWS, cell towers in the affected area transmit the message to all mobile devices connected to that cell tower. It is important to note that these systems do not track an individual’s location, which means someone may receive an emergency alert even though that person is not physically in the affected area. If you are not receiving WEAs, please visit https://www.ready.gov/alerts to learn how you can troubleshoot your mobile device.  It is also crucial for parents and guardians to discuss WEAs with their children to ensure kids understand the alerts and take action to remain safe.  Check out the WEA For Kids fact sheet for more information. 

The City of Laurel Department of Emergency Management pushes emergency notifications out via the Prince George’s County “Alert Prince George’s” communication system.  As a subscriber, you will be able to receive City of Laurel information regarding traffic conditions, government closures, public safety incidents, and severe weather via text and/or email.  For more information and to sign up, please visit https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/homeland-security/services/alert-prince-georges. 

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a public warning system that delivers emergency notifications to affected communities via radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers. EAS participants deliver local alerts on a voluntary basis but are required to provide the President with the capability to address the public during a national emergency. FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are responsible for any national level activations, tests, and exercises of the EAS. However, the FCC does not create or transmit EAS alerts.

NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) All Hazards System

Known as the “Voice of NOAA’s National Weather Service,” the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) All Hazards System is a nationwide network of more than 1000 radio transmitters broadcasting continuous weather information directly from an individual’s nearest National Weather Service office. Weather messages are generally repeated every 4 to 10 minutes and updated every 1 to 3 hours. More frequent updates may be provided if severe weather is slated to impact an area. In addition to weather information, the NWR is also used by federal, state, and local public safety agencies to transmit warnings and post-event information pertaining to natural, environmental, and public safety emergencies.

Take Action!

Receiving information about weather conditions and other emergencies can make all the difference in deciding when to take action to be safe.  Implement the following strategies to stay informed:

• Confirm your mobile device can receive WEAs.
• Sign up for text and/or email alerts via Prince George’s County “Alert Prince George’s” communications system.
• Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
• Sign up for listservs and alerts for the workplace, schools, houses of worship, or other community organizations.
• Download relevant hazard alerts and warning apps.
• Keep extra batteries and charges for your mobile device and radio.
• Consider purchasing other back-up power supplies such a car charger, solar-powered charger, or hand crank charger.
• Ensure your family, friends, and colleagues are staying informed by sharing this information with them.