The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) All-Hazards Information Feed offers a simple-to-implement interface that provides official safety messages for public consumption via internet-connected devices and services.
How the Feed Works
- Every public alert sent to IPAWS is also posted to the IPAWS All-Hazards Information Feed.
- Alerts are pulled from the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
- Alerts can be filtered based on geographical area, event, and other factors applicable to the audience.
- Alerts are active on the feed for 30 minutes or until they expire, whichever comes first.
- Alerts are digitally signed by the alerting authority to ensure authenticity and prevent spoofing.
Benefits of Using the Feed
- Broaden alert coverage to the public, to specialized audiences, physical facilities and custom use cases.
- Distribute alerts to applications, websites, mailing lists, social media, digital signage, private networks, audio systems and other devices and technologies.
- Utilize rich multimedia content otherwise not present in WEA or EAS alerts.
- Access to the IPAWS All-Hazards Information Feed is free of charge.
Gain Access to the Feed
- Complete a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the IPAWS Program Management Office (PMO).
- The MOA allows a provider to access and monitor IPAWS public alerts in Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) format over the Internet and distribute them to the intended audience.
- To begin the MOA process, or for a list of providers with access to the IPAWS All-Hazards Information Feed, contact ipaws@fema.dhs.gov.
What the Feed is Not
- The IPAWS All-Hazards Information Feed is not a tool to originate alerts over the IPAWS system. Alert origination capability is reserved for public-safety agencies and organizations authorized by FEMA.
- Alerts cannot be used for advertising purposes.
- Providers cannot stress IPAWS servers with excessive requests.