alert - warning

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Integrated Public Alert & Warning System

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. Learn more from the IPAWS 101 Fact Sheet.

Graphic for IPAWS - Wireless Emergency Alerts
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A graphic showing a hand holding an iPhone, which is displaying an example of the national text.

Myths and Facts

IPAWS is FEMA's national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through WEA, EAS and NOAA Weather Radio. However, misperceptions and myths about IPAWS routinely find their way onto social media and even major news networks.

Review the Myths and Facts

News and Updates

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Recorded Webinars

All sessions were recorded. If the recording is not available yet in the links below, check back soon.

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IPAWS Users Conference December 12th, 2024 1:00 pm EST
FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is excited to announce the 4th annual IPAWS Users Conference. This year's theme is 2024 Year-in-Review and Trends for Tomorrow.

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.

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Diagram shows Alerting Authorities consisting of local agencies, state-wide agencies, tribal governments, territorial agencies, and federal agencies initiating requests through IPAWS OPEN to send alerts, warnings, and notifications via the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Internet-Based Services & unique state and local alert systems.

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.

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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 1,800 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.