Emergency Communications

IOEM Communications Plan

Warning Systems

Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS)

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is the primary means for providing the public with critical alert information about an emergency or disaster. This Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – mandated system totally replaced the old Emergency Broadcast System as of January 1, 1998. Under EAS rules, radio, TV, and cable TV stations must participate at the National level or specifically request a waiver from the FCC. Further, they are encouraged to voluntarily participate in state and local EAS plans.

Wireless Emergency Alert System (WEA)

WEA is a public safety system that allows customers who own certain wireless phones and other compatible mobile devices to receive geographically-targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area. WEA enables government officials to target emergency alerts to specific geographic areas.

For more information, visit https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts-wea.

Idaho State Automated Warning System (ISAWS)

The State Automated Warning System notifies key personnel of events that require their attention and provides instructions on what actions they should take.

America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) Alert

AMBER Alerts™ are being automatically sent through the http://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow.

Any questions or concerns on the AMBER Alert message received on your phone should be directed to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), who manages the secondary distribution of AMBER Alerts.

Contact: NCMEC, 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

High Frequency (HF) Radio

IOEM can utilize HF and VHF/UHF radios to pass voice and data messages when other methods of communication break down. We train RACES and ARES volunteers to work with us in our radio room and in the EOC. IOEM volunteers also participate in weekly HF radio nets, including SHARES and FNARS. We operate the SHARES Idaho net on Wednesday mornings for SHARES stations in Idaho, including counties, tribes, critical infrastructure, NGOs/voluntary organizations, and federal partners.

If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers, send an email to Aaron Blake, Emergency Communications Program Manager, at brent.larson@imd.idaho.gov.

Broadband Initiatives / First Net

Visit the Broadband Initiatives page for more information.