Recommendation Analysis
The first theme of recommendations aims at improving the ability to alert authorities in transmitting effective signals of IPAWS. Similarly, it forms a series of standards that require certification and training of alert originators possessing yearly updates for consistent and current resource preparations (Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA], 2019). This consistency will be achieved through a central help center featuring proper practices and functional equipment for utilizing alert originators relevant for concluding when preparing and undertaking emergency scenarios.
The second theme seeks to improve the understanding of congressional and public emergency alerts of IPAWS. The need to bolster trust from the public with government-designed campaigns and education for various audiences within multiple entities facilitated their formulation. Promoting the know-how of what is expected when seeking help if IPAWS alerts have been activated supports its importance (FEMA, 2019). The emphasis on alert originators’ forums of campaigns versus detached public use and understanding of signal systems was essential.
The third theme aims at technology optimization levels in IPAWS. This set of recommendations emanated from the need to ensure a created platform that updates and maintains standards within the IPAWS’ developmental plan and seeks to establish the requirements and guidelines for protecting the consumers (FEMA, 2019). These recommendations identify, validate, test, and plan using the appropriate and effective manner to ensure IPAWS goals have been achieved.
The fourth theme facilitates the identification and adoption of future and current technologies of IPAWS. They sought to develop and design an improved emergency system for the nation’s alerting abilities. They are also essential since IPAWS requires the deployment and development of high-level policies and capacities possessing capabilities of alert provision and file retrieval at a request (FEMA, 2019). The provision of specification, guidance and valuable practices in making warnings and alerts is highly anticipated.
This last theme seeks to initiate the administration and management of cross-functional IPAWS. The need to start a body of cross-functional experts concerned with the provision of recommendations regarding policies, addresses, and strategies for signal systems issuance was essential. These alerts were required for routine, responsive steps and meetings, which will ensure appropriate resources, practices, and supportive practical training to IPAWS operations have been disseminated (FEMA, 2019). This will be fulfilled if there is continued engagement with individuals engaging in a warning and alert notices.
Relevance
The first theme is essential since it avails an opportunity to familiarize the masses with the settings and operations of the alert originators to facilitate taking protective measures. Similarly, it reduces confusion due to conflicting information when relaying warning messages from multiple signal originators. Awareness forums are promoted, and people are taught how to use and adapt all current likely to signal authorities (FEMA, 2019). Lastly, it offers training on alert originators, ensuring actionable, practical, and IPAWS timely signals.
The second theme is essential since it allows for verifying relayed alerts to establish whether they are authentic. The verification process differentiates between the distributed genuine IPAWS signals and the authorized alert originators. For example, 12,000 people in 2016 received a false alert warning of a looming tornado from a roadway operator. The evolution of technology calls for a need to educate the masses on technicalities involved with alarm and alert systems (FEMA, 2019). For instance, this is accomplished by Next-Gen television which presents alert deployment capabilities.
The third theme is important since it provides an allowance for persons with special needs such as disabilities to comprehend the received messages in time. Similarly, it availed a platform for creating alert messages in different languages to cater to those who possess little proficiency in the English language. A breach in data security exposes confidential information to fraud and abuse when accessed or received by unauthorized persons. For example, the go-ahead to utilize 911 support cell phones for calls (FEMA, 2019). It ensures the security and privacy of data since this is the era of technological evolution.
The fourth theme is vital because it allows the enhancement of message delivery and input abilities to people’s gadgets through future and current technology. Similarly, it offers an alternative to conveying alerts during catastrophic phenomena, therefore, being saves lives. This theme created a platform essential for the formation of links that would allow their addition to WEA posts (FEMA, 2019). It further led to improved signals from the recipient and the sender experiences effectiveness and efficiency coupled with emergency alarms.
The relevance of the last theme is that it capitalizes on new and current technologies to enhance the ability to produce alerts. FEMA is in a position to resolve arising issues and adopt essential technology in support of IPAWS facilities. This recommendation avails an opportunity for industries to provide FEMA with short-term and long-term goals focusing on new technological advancements (FEMA, 2019). The participants are presented with options for engaging in initiatives encouraging the entry of IPAWS.
Contribution of Themes
The first theme will reduce confusion among the people due to inappropriate relaying of the received alert. The training and awareness will help individuals be able to understand the working of the signal originators in time. The second theme eradicates the elements of relaying false signals to people through verification of the sent alerts. Similarly, individuals would understand the working technicalities of the alerting systems for a better understanding of their operations in the future.
The third theme takes into consideration the needs of persons living with disabilities. They can relay the received message in the time since it has been tailored to suit their specification (FEMA, 2019). Similarly, relaying the signals and warnings in different languages ensures everyone understands the alert. The fourth theme is essential since the incorporation and use of future and current technology allow for effective and efficient alerts. The utilization of links in the alerts posts ensures everyone possessing a cell phone can see the relayed signal and, therefore, undertake preventive measures. The last theme involves the utilization of both new and current advancements in technology. It is essential in providing a solution to any arising eventualities (FEMA, 2019). Similarly, the provided recommendations led to incorporating IPAWS into FEMA to ensure they work as a single unit in alert relaying.
Feasibility and Challenges of Implementation
The first theme is feasible since it entails the creation of a staffed central operational and online base. This center may require the staff to possess relevant or new skills for operating within this setting (FEMA, 2019). It would be costly, therefore, the acquisition of trained personnel who would run the station (Government Accountability Office [GAO], 2009). Staffing issues prove to be an issue that undermines the realization of IPAWS goals and missions.
The second theme is feasible since it needs to build the trust of the public through educational forums. The arising challenge entails the need to use new staff in achieving the objectives of these goals (FEMA, 2019). Failure to sensitize the masses about IPAWS programs has made the majority of individuals unaware of the role played by this organization (GAO, 2009). This makes it hard to realize and attain the goals and mission of IPAWS.
The third theme is practicable since the needs of the people living with disabilities are outlined and recognized. Similarly, it is possible to create alerts in different languages to relay the information on time (FEMA, 2019). There persists the problem of delivering messages to persons with vision and hearing disabilities. Individuals who are not conversant with English fail to be availed of alert messages in their respective languages (GAO, 2009). This is a challenge to IPAWS, which calls for an immediate plan to deal with the issue.
The fourth theme requires incorporating new technology to make it realistic since there is a further advancement in technological capabilities, which allows for viewing of alerts on various devices (FEMA, 2019). The discrepancies in the type of gadgets possessed by the people pose a challenge in coordinating the operations (GAO, 2009). The challenges exhibited are the need to acquire and hire experts to perform these tasks in the shortest time is costly.
The last theme is feasible since it requires technological developments and research which are within the international domain. The said technology should automatically detect hazards and threats such as earthquakes and trigger the signals (FEMA, 2019). There exists a challenge in incorporating the relevant technology (GAO, 2009). This has made the technology applicable by IPAWS remain unchanged for long periods, therefore, inhibiting the realization of its goals.
Other Considerations for IPAWS Success
The use of the early alerts community is required since it will engage all sectors. Similarly, the modeling of additional techniques uses numerous tools to assess threats using hazard and sensor networks to detect threats. Lastly, a consistent and effective governance body is essential for ensuring availability and quality to ensure time safety when interpreting information during emergencies (Geospatial considerations, 2018). These groups utilize advanced techniques for the provision of early insights about a hazardous threat.
References
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2019). Modernizing the Nation’s Public Alert and Warning System: Report from the FEMA National Advisory Council. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Government Accountability Office. (2009). Emergency Preparedness: Improved Planning and Coordination Necessary for Modernization and Integration of Public Alert and Warning System. Government Accountability Office. Web.
Geospatial considerations of public safety alerts, warnings, and notifications. (2018). GeoPlatform. Web.