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PPW Document Archive

PPW PARTNERS WITH WGBH ON PROJECT ADDRESSING COMMUNICATION & WARNING NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH SENSORY DISABILITIES

The Partnership for Public Warning is collaborating with the WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) to unite emergency alert providers, local information resources, telecommunications industry and broadcasting representatives and consumers in a collaborative effort to research and disseminate replicable approaches to make emergency warnings and community-based information accessible. This project is funded through the Technology Opportunity Program of the U.S. Department of Commerce. A working group of interested stakeholders is being established to assist in this project. Review the project description and working group invitationPDF document for more information and to learn how you can participate.

ASIAN TSUNAMI DEMONSTRATES VALUE OF PUBLIC WARNING PPW URGES PRESIDENT BUSH TO MAKE PUBLIC WARNING A NATIONAL PRIORITY

The recent tsunami in Southeast Asia has already resulted in over 150,000 deaths and that number is expected to rise. Although it took as long as 3 hours for the tsunami to hit in some parts of the area, no public warnings were provided to any of those at risk. An effective public warning capability could have saved many lives. In a January 3, 2005 letter to President BushPDF document, the Partnership for Public Warning notes that the United States has failed to develop an effective public warning system and that many people may be at risk during an emergency. PPW has urged the President to make the development of a more effective public warning capability a national priority. The PPW letter also notes that the Partnership has developed a national strategy that can be implemented in 24 months for less than $10 million.

PPW FILES COMMENTS WITH FCC ON EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM

The Partnership for Public Warning has filed commentsPDF document with the Federal Communications Commission in response to its Notice of Proposed RulemakingPDF document seeking comments on ways to improve the Emergency Alert System. The NPRM and many of the issues it raises are based upon recommendations made by the Partnership for Public Warning. To see all of the comments filed with the FCC in this proceeding, go to the FCC web site and enter docket number 04-296 in the “proceeding” box.

On a related note, the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency has just launched a six-month pilot project in the National Capital Region to test the Digital Emergency Alert System (DEAS). The DHS/FEMA press release is available online.

INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC WARNING

PPW has just issued an introduction to public warning that provides information and insights into what makes an effective public warning message and system. Drawing on years of research, “Protecting America’s Communities: An Introduction to Public Alert & Warning” PDF document, (PPW Report 2004-2), is intended to assist emergency managers and officials, both public and private, in understanding and developing effective warning systems.

DIRECTORY OF PUBLIC WARNING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

PPW has issued a new publication, “Alerting America: A Directory of Public Warning Products, Services & Technologies”PDF document, (PPW Report 2004-3), that provides the first directory of public warning products, services and providers.

PUBLIC WARNING, CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS AND AMERICAN BUSINESS – MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PREPARE FOR DISASTERS

The Partnership for Public Warning, in cooperation with AT&T, has just completed a major national survey of American businesses and their attitudes towards public warning and business continuity. Over 1,000 executives were interviewed in ten major cities. The results of the study indicate that there is still much to be done to ensure that American businesses are prepared to cope with disasters.

PPW REDUCES ACTIVITIES PENDING FUNDING FOR NATIONAL STRATEGY TO IMPROVE AMERICA’S PUBLIC WARNING CAPABILITY

At its meeting on June 29, 2004, the PPW Board of Trustees decided to scale back operations until such time as funding is available to implement the Partnership’s strategic plan for improving the nation’s public warning capability. The Board of Trustees noted that PPW was initially established to provide a forum where government, industry and the public could work together to assess the state of America’s public warning capability, identify ways to improve that capability, and educate policy officials and the public. These objectives have been accomplished and the next major initiative is to implement the recommendations contained in PPW’s national strategy and other reports. These recommendations can be implemented in 24 months for approximately $9 million. Until such time as this funding is available, the Partnership is reducing its level of activities. The Partnership will remain in existence, maintain a web site to provide continuing access to PPW reports and other information, and pursue high priority initiatives (e.g. the Common Alerting Protocol and the FCC NPRM on EAS). No membership dues will be accepted or collected. A letter from the PPW ChairPDF document describes the actions that were taken. For further information, contact the Partnership at information@ppw.us.

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Last Updated: July 19, 2005