Public Alerting- What it is and what to know
Public alerting systems play a crucial role in keeping communities informed and safe during emergencies.
Whether it's severe weather, natural disasters, or other emergent situations, having reliable access to timely information can make all the difference.
These systems are designed to provide immediate notification so you can seek safety, no matter where you are.
Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s national network for local alerting.
This system provides official emergency and life-saving information to the public through cell phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Radio (NOAA Weather Radio).
About Wireless Emergency Alerts
Wireless Emergency Alerts are short emergency messages. These alerts are authorized federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial public alerting authorities.
WEA are broadcast from cell phone towers, sent to any WEA-enabled mobile devices in the locally targeted area.
This is a partnership with FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and wireless providers with the goal of enhancing public safety.
About the Emergency Alert System
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system, requiring radio and TV broadcasters, cable TV, wireless cable systems, satellite and wireline operators provide the President with the ability to address the country within 10 minutes during a national emergency.
These are the alerts that come across your TV during an emergency.
FEMA, with the help of the FCC and NOAA is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and operating the EAS at the federal level.
About NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is the United State's nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast constant weather information straight from the local National Weather Service office.
NWR brings Americans the latest info from the National Weather Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The NWR in conjunction with the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Alert System, is an "All Hazards" network, meaning users can go to one single place for comprehensive weather and emergency information. Working closely with federal, state, and local emergency managers, plus other public officials, the NWR broadcasts watch, warning, and post-event information for all types of hazards. This includes nature (earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages).
The NWR is known as the "Voice of NOAA's National Weather Service." It's free, public service provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, part of the Department of Commerce.
The network includes more than 1,000 transmitters, covers all 50 states, adjacent coast waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories.
When public alerting is used
Officials utilize public alerting to get the message out quick and to reach as many citizens as possible, all at once.
They'll utilize these alerting methods to reach the public in situations such as:
- Weather emergencies and natural disasters like tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, etc.
- Public health information like medical emergencies, infectious disease and pandemic management (COVID-19)
- Acts of terrorism, warfare, civil unrest, or active shootings
- Missing persons and prison escapes (Amber Alerts)
- Emergency management after a disaster like evacuations and volunteer information
- Industrial disasters like gas leaks, explosions, and biohazards
Public-Alert Certified
Devices like NOAA Weather Radios can be public-alert certified.
This means the radio went through rigorous testing to ensure it performs and properly alerts its users to impending weather and emergencies.
When choosing a NOAA Weather Radio, ensure you're choosing one that is Public-Alert Certified.
Midland's NOAA Weather Radios, like the WR120 NOAA Weather Alert Radio are Public-Alert Certified.
WR120 NOAA Weather Alert Radio
When it comes to severe weather, being informed can be life-saving, and the Midland WR120 NOAA Weather Alert Radio is designed to give you that crucial early warning at home.
Equipped with S.A.M.E. localized programming, this desktop radio alerts you to over 60 weather hazards and emergency alerts with an audible siren for events in your area. The WR120 brings the latest information about weather and national disasters like wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and more.
As soon as the National Weather Service issues a watch or warning, the WR120 NOAA Weather Alert Radio automatically notifies you, allowing you to take necessary precautions or seek shelter, keeping the entire family safe.
With power supplied by an A/C adapter and backup from 3 AA batteries, it ensures continuous operation, even during power outages so you can continue to get important information.
The WR120 also features a clock with an alarm, instant weather updates at the push of a button, and a user-selectable warning system with adjustable alert volume, making it an essential tool for staying safe in any weather condition.
Midland's WR120 NOAA Weather Alert Radio should be part of every household's emergency plan with its Public-Alert Certification.
WR400 Deluxe NOAA Weather Radio
The Midland WR400 Deluxe NOAA Weather Radio takes weather preparedness to the next level with its advanced features and digital S.A.M.E. technology, ensuring you're getting alerts specific to your area.
This radio locks into your county’s specific warning system, providing instant, accurate weather updates directly from the National Weather Service. Whether it's severe storms, flash floods, or other emergencies, the WR400 ensures you're informed and ready so the whole family can seek safety as soon as possible.
One of its standout features is the built-in USB output, which allows you to charge your devices directly from the radio, keeping you connected even during power outages.
With the ability to program up to 25 counties and receive 80 different emergency alerts, the WR400 is Midland's most advanced Public-Alert Certified NOAA Weather Radio.
Its combination of reliable technology and practical design makes it an essential tool for anyone serious about safety and preparedness.
