IPAWS Library

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program Management Office (PMO) develops informational materials about IPAWS to increase understanding and awareness of this unique program. These materials are periodically updated as additional IPAWS features are implemented and new information becomes available.

Newsletters

These non-technical publications highlight news media coverage of public alerting, congratulate recently authorized Alerting Authorities, and report significant developments in the IPAWS system and services to IPAWS stakeholders.

Other Resources

Train the Trainer Program Guide

The Train the Trainer Program Guide provides state, local, tribal and territorial alerting administrators with recommendations and best practices that can be used when developing an internal training program for Alerts, Warnings and Notifications (AWN). The Guide focuses on components of a successful Train the Trainer Program, including AWN System Information, Alerting System Standard Operating Procedures, Testing and Exercise Guidelines, and Training Guidelines.

Guide for Constructing WEA and EAS Messages

Research shows the public is more responsive to clear messages that are free of jargon and use plain language. An effective warning message includes sufficient information to validate the public's risk and spur them to take appropriate action. To help ensure that warning messages are effective, they must include and clearly address the following: Source, Threat, Location, Guidance/Time, Expiration Time.

How Tribal Governments Can Sign Up for Public Alerts and Warnings

IPAWS is a free internet-based tool that tribal officials can use to issue public alerts and warnings, such as Missing Person alerts or Public Health and Safety alerts, to their jurisdiction. IPAWS allows tribes the capability to deliver a single alert simultaneously through multiple communication pathways, reaching as many people as possible to save lives and protect property.

IPAWS Process Playbook

The Process Map Playbook illustrates the interconnected processes for federal, state, local, tribal and territorial alerting authorities to send alerts through IPAWS.

Sign Up to Use IPAWS to Send Public Alerts and Warnings

A federal, state, local, tribal or territorial Alerting Authority that applies for authorization to use the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is designated as a Collaborative Operating Group (COG). Follow these steps to obtain access to IPAWS for COG-to-COG messaging and permission to disseminate your alerts to the public.

IPAWS Glossary

Definitions of commonly used IPAWS terms.

Event Code Glossary

Non-Weather Emergency Message (NWEM) event codes are available to State, Local, Territorial, and Tribal Alerting Authorities for use with the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS). The weather-related event codes, not listed here, are reserved for the National Weather Service. Use of these event codes by Alerting Authorities depends on established IPAWS permissions.

IPAWS EAS and WEA Alert Standardizations Checklists

The checklists assist in reviewing and confirming drafted Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages align with the national and international standard used by the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to send public alerts and warnings.

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Last updated February 6, 2023
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