Executive Order 13407, signed by President Bush in 2006, requires the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to “include in the public alert and warning system the capability to alert and warn all Americans, including….those without an understanding of the English language.”

IPAWS has developed the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), an open standard for alert messages.  CAP can transport rich multi-media attachments and links in alert messages. CAP allows the private sector to choose to modify existing systems and/or create new technologies or systems which can seamlessly incorporate alert and warning technologies for those without an understanding of the English language.