The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) is FEMA's national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System, and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Radio.
News and Updates
FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Oct. 4, Sending Messages to all TVs, Radios and Cell Phones
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
Read More About the Test
IPAWS Best Practices Guide is Now Available
This publication is all-inclusive, providing alerting authorities (AA) with instruction on use of IPAWS to alert, warn and notify the public via the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, Non-Weather Emergency Messages and other communication pathways.
In addition, the guide provides recommendations on implementing internal policies and procedures to maximize your efficacy with IPAWS. Proficiency with IPAWS is essential to keep your community informed during public safety and emergency situations.
Download the IPAWS Best Practices guide today – and use the IPAWS Technical Support Services environment to train, practice, and exercise to update and maintain your public alerting performance.
Recorded Webinars
All sessions were recorded. If the recording is not available yet in the links below, check back soon.
How IPAWS Sends Alerts
IPAWS allows Alerting Authorities to write their own message using commercially available software that is Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) compliant. The message is then delivered to the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS OPEN), where it is authenticated and then delivered simultaneously through multiple communication pathways. Through IPAWS, one message is created to reach as many people as possible to save lives and protect property.
Utilizing multiple pathways for public alerts increases the likelihood that the message will successfully reach the public. IPAWS is structured to facilitate this functionality.
Communication Pathways
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) delivers alerts via AM, FM and satellite radio, as well as broadcast, cable and satellite TV.
Cell phones and mobile devices receive Wireless Emergency Alerts based on location, even if cellular networks are overloaded and can no longer support calls, text and emails.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) delivers alerts through NOAA Weather Radio.
Alerts are also available from internet service providers and unique system developers.
State, local, territorial, and tribal alerting systems such as emergency telephone networks, giant voice sirens, and digital road signs may also receive alerts from IPAWS-OPEN, and future alerting technologies and systems can easily be integrated into IPAWS.
IPAWS Tools by Audience
Whether you're sending, receiving, developing or communicating about alerts, find the tools you need for your role in the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System.
General Public
- Where You Receive Alerts?
- Wireless Emergency Alerts
- Emergency Alert System
- AMBER Alerts
- Alerting People with Disabilities
IPAWS Program Governance
Broadcasters & Wireless Providers
IPAWS Technology Vendors & Developers
Have a Question?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Email us or call 1-844-729-7522 for any further questions.
About the IPAWS Program
FEMA established the IPAWS program in 2006 by Presidential Executive Order 13407. Today there are more than 1,600 federal, state, local, tribal and territorial alerting authorities that use IPAWS to send critical public alerts and warnings in their jurisdictions.
Mission
IPAWS is guided by its mission to provide integrated services and capabilities to federal, state, territorial, tribal and local authorities that enable them to effectively alert and warn their respective communities via multiple communications methods.
Vision
To provide trusted timely alert and warning to people affected by threats to public safety in the preservation of life and property.