Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) provides the ability to send immediate warnings to the American people. It ensures the president of the United States can alert and warn the public. It can also be used by state, tribal, and local authorities to send emergency warnings within their jurisdictions. These alerts will come on cell phones and commercial television and radio stations.
Fact Sheets
Emergency Alert System
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) allows state and local governments, in partnership with the broadcast industry, to provide emergency alerts, information and instructions to the public.
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) was created by FEMA to aid in the distribution of emergency messaging to the public via the internet and mobile devices.
When emergencies and disasters occur, the rapid and effective dissemination of instructions and other essential information can significantly help reduce loss of life and property. The EAS is designed to provide information to the public immediately. However, the EAS will only work through a coordinated statewide effort.
Wireless Emergency Alerts
Once local jurisdictions are IPAWS approved, they will be able to send alerts and warnings to most cell phones using the IPAWS Wireless Emergency Alerts in a designated area.
Training
To learn more about the IPAWS program please take the free online training from the FEMA:
This course is a prerequisite for access to IPAWS OPEN. This course does not provide training on third-party authorized software. Jurisdictions must contact their vendor for any software support questions.
Best Practices Guide for Public Safety Officials
Read about IPAWS Statewide Alert, Warning and Notification best practices 2.02
in this guide.
IPAWS Committee
The purpose of the IPAWS Committee is to advise the Statewide Emergency Communications Board on matters related to the system and to coordinate and establish policies, procedures and protocols for the expansion of IPAWS through private and public partnerships.
The IPAWS Committee will meet on the third Thursday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November). Meeting materials must be submitted to the committee no later than ten calendar days prior to each meeting.
You can find a list of meeting agendas, meeting materials and meetings for the IPAWS committee by
clicking here.
You can find a copy of the 2022 - 2023 Committee Work Plan by
clicking here.
