IPAWS
Definition
The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), a U.S. national system managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), designed to deliver authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through channels such as Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and NOAA Weather Radio.
A modernization and integration of the nation's existing alert and warning infrastructure to enable local authorities to disseminate critical public safety information rapidly and reliably during disasters.
Examples
Just as I settled in for a nap, IPAWS unleashed a test alert that rattled every device in the house like an overzealous alarm clock.
IPAWS made sure my oblivious hike turned into a sprint when it buzzed about incoming flash floods.
Thanks to IPAWS, even my grandma's ancient flip phone now joins the chorus of doom-scrolling during severe weather warnings.
IPAWS turned a minor earthquake rumor into a full-blown family evacuation drill before anyone could verify the facts.