Providers of Warning Systems and Services
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| Data Networks |
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Satellite Observations of the Natural and Man-Made Environment Description: AstroVision International, Inc. (AstroVision) will launch a constellation of geostationary satellites designed to observe the Earth's natural and man-made environment through the use of high-speed, high-resolution sensors. AstroVision will deliver 30-meter nadir resolution imagery during daytime and 500-meter nadir resolution imagery at night. These continuously observing sensors will deliver data, products, imagery and live imagery. AstroVision's architecture is designed to deliver these within seconds of observing the phenomena on earth. The sensors scheduled for flight include a Lightning Mapping System, several sensors operating in the visual and infrared spectrum and a low-light camera for observing night-time phenomena. Phenomena that will be observable include live lightning, volcanoes, weather systems and clouds (to include unprecedented high-resolution continuous imaging of tropical storms), man-made objects and events, meteors, explosions, fires, thermal characteristics of bodies of water, and the ability to detect tracers of SO2 and CO2. In addition to making these products commercially available to government agencies to include NIMA, AstroVision plans on making subsets of these products available on the Internet and in the media. Experience: AstroVision is a start-up company, incorporated in 1999, and is scheduled to be fully operational within 33 months. Contact: |
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BekTek, Inc. - Emergency Alert System Hardware and Software Description: Experience: BekTek has been active in the development and deployment of EAS since 1994. Contact: MTS Origination to End User EAS Equipment and Software Origination Tools: MTS makes a number of software based EAS Encoding tools for personal computers. The "work horse" product is our EAS Encoder II package that allows a user to "pre-build" templates for up to 10,000 events and allows advance recording of the audio message. EAS Encoder II can deliver EAS via direct connection, telephone line, or vhf/uhf radio systems. EAS Encoder II has been integrated into other products such as the ComLabs EMNet EAS system because of its simple but powerful user interface. Our Amber Alert generation tool is another software tool that uses a Windows Wizard ™ approach for allowing the law enforcement officers to generate an Amber Alert with minimal knowledge of how the overall system works. Broadcast Store and Forward Equipment: TS makes the System 3000D EAS unit for broadcast application. It integrates three receivers, EAS Encoder and Decoder functions in a single unit. This product is based on a PC platform, which has allowed software updates to be performed with ease and at minimal cost to the end user. This product is scheduled for a major upgrade in 2003. End User Monitoring Equipment: TS also makes end user NWS and EAS monitoring receivers in our EAR "Emergency Alert Radio" product line. These inexpensive receivers were designed to meet the needs of public schools, hospitals, malls, offices, emergency management agencies, military installations, nuclear facilities, CSEPP installations, munitions depots, along with a host of other unique applications. The Weather EAR II and FM EAR II radios are programmed using a serial PC application. Factory and field programming are readily accomplished. The radios have a single user button. The serial data port on these radios allows connectivity to a PC with an accessory software product called EAR Watch. EAR Watch filters the warning data by location and event type, translates the data to plain text, and can deliver the text by email or by FTP to any device that can receive email or FTP. EAR Watch records the audio messages and maintains the last five audio messages available for replay, along with a log of all events received. The email and FTP functions are very powerful when you consider that modern pagers and cell phones can receive email adding a new dimension of connectivity to other communication systems. Experience: MTS was founded in 1984 and has been involved in the design and manufacture of numerous innovative products all related to emergency communications here in the US and abroad. Contact: TFT, Inc. EAS Encoders/Decoders - Professional, Industrial, and Consumer Description: The TFT EAS 911 EAS encoder/decoder is manufactured in 2-, 4-, and 6-input versions and features a built-in impact printer and digital voice recorder in a 3.5-inch high, rack-mounted unit. The 911 is capable of originating, receiving, storing, forwarding, and displaying emergency messages. An optional 4-port COM expander interfaces it to several character generators for visual display of emergency information, to LED message signs, and to an optional telephone interface unit, Model 943. The Model 943 is used by emergency managers and other public officials to originate emergency messages by using an ordinary telephone. TFT also manufactures a complementary Multi-Module Receiver, Model EAS 930A, which can contain up to four receiver modules on AM broadcast, FM broadcast, NOAA Weather Radio, VHF-High, VHF-Low, and UHF public safety frequencies. Other units, such as the EAS 940A and EAS 999 permit emergency messages to be inserted into analog and digital program channels. The Safety 1st is a decoder-only unit with a built-in NOAA Weather Radio and space for an optional receiver, for AM broadcast, FM broadcast, or public safety frequencies. It is designed for large buildings, offices, factories, schools, churches, hospitals, sports arenas, and shopping malls to provide emergency information quickly to large segment of the public. It features a digital voice recorder, alarm, character generator interface, LED sign interface, and P.A. output. TFT HomeAlert units are small consumer-grade EAS decoders that continuously monitor AM or FM broadcast stations in a residential application and provide a loud audible warning and voice announcement when there is an emergency. The units, normally AC powered, also have battery back-up in the event of commercial power failure. Experience: Contact: |
| Local Information Radio |
| Emergency Advisory Radio System to Broadcast Public Safety Information Information Station Specialists, Inc. - Radio Stations to Broadcast Public Safety Messages to Motorists Description: The ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio System developed by Information Station Specialists is designed specifically for government entities, such as communities, counties and states to broadcast to citizens non-commercial, public-safety information over the AM radio band. NOAA EAS and weather notifications are automatically integrated into locally originated broadcasts when alerts are issued for the affected county(s). The system features . . .
During non-emergency times, the ALERT AM System can inform motorists of street repairs, city history, visitor info, upcoming events and other non-commercial messages. During emergency situations, the system can be set to automatically switch to emergency messages, live or recorded. It's noteworthy that ALERT AM receives all Emergency Alert System (EAS and National Weather Services notification codes and can be programmed to automatically re-transmit only those specific to particular counties. ALERT AM is the only system of its kind to have this enhanced features, using all 53 hazard codes. Experience: Since its founding in 1983, Information Station Specialists has supplied 65% of all AM advisory radio systems and services sold in the United States, with an installed base of more than a thousand stations across the country. ISS is the only US company whose full-time business is dedicated strictly to this type of offering. In addition to Emergency Advisory Radio Systems, the ISS product array includes Highway Advisory Radios and Traveler Information Systems and services. Contact:
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| NOAA Weather Radio |
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The Rooster Group, Marketing Consultant with Expertise in NOAA Weather Radios Description: The Rooster Group is a marketing consulting firm in consumer electronics and related high-technology topics with special expertise in NOAA Weather Radios and other emergency warning communications systems. Contact: |
| Preparedness and Response |
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Dromedary Disasters International (DDI) Jasmin K. Riad, CEO and lead consultant at DDI, has more than twelve years experience in the areas of pre-disaster preparedness, community field research, conflict resolution, and post-disaster response. A recognized leader in the field of disaster prevention, Riad first studied evacuation procedures in response to Hurricane Hugo. Her work on warning systems, evacuation, and relocation has been published in The Journal of Applied Social Psychology, Environment and Behavior, and in the 2001 Handbook of Crisis and Emergency Management. In her capacity as a social and community psychologist, Riad has also traveled extensively throughout the world, working with local community leaders, government offices, and emergency management agencies. Riad heads a team of senior analysts, consultants, and researchers with extensive experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation of emergency warning systems. Areas of expertise include:
DDI’s project experience covers a wide range of natural, technological, and criminal crises. Among the services delivered by Riad’s senior team at DDI are:
For more information on how DDI can help you and your community or business, visit their web site at www.dromedaryonline.com. Jasmin K. Riad, Ph.D.
Fluor Engineering, Construction, and Operations Description:Fluor is a $9 billion per year, 40,000 people worldwide engineering, construction, and operations and maintenance company. The company currently serves the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in long-term recovery operations following natural and man-made disasters. Fluor additionally provides contingency response services to the U.S. Army and Air Force throughout the world. Recent examples include engineering and construction following U.S. military engagement in East Timor and throughout the Middle East and Central Asia. Fluor additionally brings critical skills in the design, engineering, and construction of emergency oepration centers (EOCs) such as the Chicago 911 Center, and EOC's for the cities of Long Beach and San Diego. Fluor's engineers and managers can assist any public agency in long-term disaster recovery or short-term engineering. To accomplish this work, the company supports major U.S. offices in Greenville (SC), Houston (TX), Richland (WA), and Cincinati (OH). Contact:
McCurdy Enterprises Teaches Disaster Awareness Description: We teach people what to do BEFORE disasters strike. Through the use of words, symbols and our Tremor Triceratops mascot, McCurdy Enterprises teaches disaster awareness. Disasters are increasing worldwide so we must be more aware of our responsibilities. Mitigation programs need to be in place to strengthen our survival for the future. The British Columbian Government defines mitigation as "actions taken prior to occurrence of an earthquake to minimize injury, loss of life, or loss of function of building." The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that $52B USD is spent annually on disaster response and recovery. Former FEMA director James de Witt had said that for every $1 USD invested in mitigation saves $2 USD in response and recovery costs. Hence, mitigation programs like the United States’ Project Impact which resulted as an outcome of the 1995 National Mitigation Strategy already has shown to be effective as demonstrated recently in the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake in Washington State. The Worldwide Emergency Safety Program™ (WESP) consists of an integrated series of signs, books and training that reflects the NFPA 1600 (2000) standard for Best Practice in life safety mitigation. Earthquake is the first of the disaster series. Fire, hurricane, tornado, tsunami, and avalanche programs are under development. The Worldwide Emergency Safety Program™ has a "LifeSafety Sign System" that guides individuals through the basic steps one should take when that disaster strikes. The LifeSaver Series™ sign, Earthquake shows YOU ‘what to do’, the Meeting Place site sign designates YOU ‘where to go’ for a head count and the individual wallet card is where YOU write your out-of-area telephone contact number. These global signs are made for universal applications at work, home or play. The strategically located photo luminescent Brailled and railed multi-lingual signs aid in assisting awareness in emergency egress procedures for earthquake. Training books are provided to implement the life safety signage system. The Worldwide Emergency Safety Program™ book series are colorful, interactive and easy to follow planners. The WESP Safety Guide™ is intended to be a comprehensive workplace earthquake preparedness planner complete with policy and procedure details. This guide is one in a set of three; the others being the WESP Safety Handbook™ for your home and a WESP Earthquake Pocket Guide™ that is a personal version to keep with you at all times. Each book contains supportive self-directed training tools and techniques. Follow Tremor Triceratops training directions as he has flipped fear into fun for disaster planning. The Worldwide Emergency Safety Program™ Training series consists of 4 levels of 2-day full time courses: basic, intermediate, advanced and train-the-trainer. Customized courses available. These materials have world wide appeal as WESP is a unique standardized LifeSafety skills training program by which anyone, regardless of age, ability, gender or nationality, can learn how to safeguard lives before, during and after a disaster strikes. Contact |
| Sirens |
| Hormann America, Inc. – Siren System Design Tools
Description: Hormann America, Inc. has made a siren system design tool available to the general public. The EZ SIREN MODELERTM software is the best tool for designing an emergency siren system. An effective emergency siren system requires accurate placement of sirens for maximum warning capability. A cost efficient warning system design method is to identify the most strategic siren locations and to calculate the minimum number of sirens that will ensure effective public warning. Current manual calculations are not only much less accurate and time-consuming, but also expensive due to the expertise required. Now, calculations can be done accurately, quickly and efficiently using Hormann America’s EZ SIREN MODELERTM software. The program allows the prediction of sound levels and compute acoustical coverage based on Siren Characteristics, Coverage Area, Possible Locations, Sound Propagation Characteristics, Specific Area Sound Attenuation and the Molecular Sound Absorption by air. Flexible pricing scheme helps small users to fit the system in their budget. Contact: |
| Urgent Messaging | |
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Allport Method: Device-based public warning using telephone networks Description: The patented Allport Method provides for significant increases in the speed, capacity and comprehension of public warnings delivered through telephone networks. Using the same geographic- and list-management tools used with voice-based automated dialling systems, a list of telephone numbers is identified for alerting. A data signal, about a second in duration, is then transmitted from a server through secure telecommunication trunks and central office switches, and over standard telephone lines, to generic alarm devices that continuously listen to the line for such signals. The data signal has been defined by Telcordia Technologies (TM-26023), the former Bell Communications Research (Bellcore) organization, and is based on the same proven data message requirements (GR-30) as Caller ID, Call Waiting, and Voice Message Waiting Indication (VMWI - voicemail). Both Telcordia TM-26023 and GR-30 are included in the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 1221 Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems, 2002 edition. Having received a signal, the device acknowledges to the server that it has received the signal (if requested by sender), displays a text message, sounds an alarm (soft or loud as instructed), and flashes a yellow or red light corresponding to the urgency of the message (informative or alert). The signal protocol includes fields for EAS codes, and the addition of a telephone number or website to obtain additional information. Alarm devices supplied by ClassCo feature Caller ID and VMWI, speak out the relevant EAS (and Caller ID) message in English, French or Spanish, and feature a device interface to activate strobe lights, remote alarms, bed shakers, radio, etc., meeting most special needs. Experience: The Allport Method has been developed over the past seven years with Telcordia Technologies. A proof of concept was completed in Deerfield Beach, Florida, with the messages transmitted through the local BellSouth owned Lucent 5ESS central office switch. A public trial was conducted in New Brunswick, Canada with Aliant Teleco, which also features voice based messaging, pager and email notifications, can support service offerings by other carriers in other regions of North America. Company: The Allport Group licenses the right to sell products and services based on its patents, and the related intellectual property of Telcordia Technologies. Having worked with a number of leading companies to develop wireline solutions, the Allport Group now looks to do the same in wireless. Contact:Doug Allport, President Allport Group Inc. PO Box 24182 Ottawa, ON Canada K2M 2C3 E-mail: Doug.Allport@AllportGroup.com Website: www.AllportGroup.com Community Alert Network Emergency Notification Service Description: Community Alert Network (CAN) provides a unique computer driven telephone warning and personnel recall service. CAN has the ability to call large numbers of people, including emergency response personnel, in a short period of time using 256 lines. The CAN system can presently make over 15,000 calls per hour. While especially suited to calling a large number of people, it is extremely flexible to the extent that it can call only one number, if so requested. In addition, targeted messages may be delivered to provide specific information for how to respond during a particular emergency. Messages may be stored on the system, or recorded at the time of an incident. A comprehensive report indicating the results of a calling session, including the number of calls made, the number of calls delivered, which personnel will respond and when, etc., is faxed immediately after the conclusion of an incident. The CAN system can also be utilized to recall staff in times of crisis. Through special programming, CAN has the ability to call staff members, collect information such as whether or not they are fit for duty and their time to respond, and cease calling when the predetermined number of positions are filled. All collected information is sent to the client immediately following a calling session. CAN’s two Operations Centers provide reliable 24-hour, 7-days a week redundant service. Client files are backed up at each site with an on-line copy, on-site backup, and off-site backup. In affect, this provides six available copies of all applicable client files. CAN also offers software to aid in targeting emergency notifications. CAN Mapping runs on any Windows based computer and provides a greater level of control when initiating a callout. CAN Mapping allows users to draw shapes on area maps, send the shapes to CAN via e-mail, and CAN will only call the phone numbers within the shape defined area. This would allow for notifications in a more efficient manner only contacting those that need to be notified. Experience: Community Alert Network has been in existence since 1981 and is presently active in 40 States and 3 Provinces in Canada. Last year alone CAN responded to over 1000 incidents. CAN’s total focus is on meeting America's automated notification needs. CAN is a state of the art telephone emergency notification company providing our valued clients the ability to get criticalinformati>DCC – The Leading Provider of Interactive Communications Solutions Description: DCC (Dialogic Communications Corporation) develops high-speed notification technology for the mission-critical environment, corporate messaging solutions for enterprise-wide communications, and interactive call processing for customer contact centers. The Communicator!™ high-speed notification system alerts emergency response teams and communities-at-risk. The system contacts persons by phone, pager, fax, email, etc.; delivers incident-specific information or life-saving instruction; confirms message receipt through touch-tone response; and prints, faxes and emails comprehensive reports detailing notification results. The Communicator’s GIS interface provides geographical selection of targeted notification areas using digital, street-level maps, initiating first warnings within 60-90 seconds of incident identification. DCC’s premiere hosting notification service provides clients remote, round-the-clock access to powerful, multi-line communications systems located at DCC headquarters. Within seconds of touch-tone activation, the system delivers communications to first responders, management teams, employees and persons in harm’s way. System security is maintained through the entry of password prompts and PINs. With Reciprix™, a single email can now instantly reach hundreds, or even thousands of individuals through virtually any communications media of their choice, and allow them to respond via the most convenient means available — phone, email or the web. All of the recipients’ responses are automatically consolidated into one report, and can be viewed in real-time via the web, exported to Excel or printed for hard copy viewing. Frontwave™ automates incoming, routine subscriber requests for information, including account balance inquiries, service upgrades, Pay Per View ordering, etc. The system also places outbound calls to confirm scheduled appointments, remind customers of delinquent payments and promote special offers. Today, DCC’s Frontwave offers industry-renowned IVR (interactive response), CTI (computer telephony integration), speech recognition, web response, Reciprix™ messaging and screen pops that transfer customer profiles directly to customer service agents and more. Experience: DCC has been producing interactive communications technology since 1982. Contact: IntelliCastSM Notification Services Description: In crisis situations the difference between tragedy and safety hinges on getting the right information, to the right people, at the right time. Intrado has developed IntelliCast Notification Services to do just that. By combining our technical expertise in database management (we are responsible for the management of virtually the entire enhanced 9-1-1 database nationwide) with the most sophisticated telephone notification system available, Intrado has brought two service-based offerings to market that are unsurpassed in the industry: IntelliCast Target Notification and IntelliCast Call List. More than 95 percent of the population has a wireline phone, making telephone notification the most comprehensive notification method available. Further, because our offerings are offsite services, with no equipment to buy, install, house, maintain, or upgrade, and no additional staff to hire, support and train, they represents a low total cost of ownership when compared to alternative on-site solutions. Target Notification is the most powerful tool available to rapidly identify, notify, and instruct affected individuals in a crisis situation. Intrado is able to deliver this capability because we have combined a high capacity calling platform--it can place thousands of calls in minutes--with our in-house expertise in database management. As a result, users can contact exactly those intended, wherever and whenever they need to be reached. In addition to the calling platform, Target Notification is comprised of an Intrado-managed geo-coded telephone number (TN) database sourced from Enhanced 9-1-1 data, and a user interface accessible by any web browser or telephone. Call List is the fastest voice notification service available. Using the same high capacity-calling platform as Target Notification, Call List enables users to quickly disseminate critical information to specific groups by delivering a consistent voice message that addresses the exact needs of the moment. Call List is comprised of the calling platform, customer-managed contact lists that can include multiple numbers for each individual, and a user interface accessible by any web browser or telephone. Experience: Intrado has a proven record of deploying successful public safety services unmatched by any other company in the industry. In addition to being the trusted provider of 9-1-1 database management nationwide, we are the innovative private sector force behind such public safety technologies as Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) and wireless phase II compliant services. In addition our employee base of 650+ is comprised of a unique blend of public safety, telecommunications, and technology professional, all of which make the innovations noted above possible. Greater Harris County (Houston), Texas, the 4th largest population center in the country, is the most recent client to contract for IntelliCast Notification Services. Contact: FirstResponderTM – Hometown Security by Tele-Works, Inc. Description: FirstResponder is an emergency and information notification software module to the successful eVision Platform for eGovernment. The open architecture and convergent technologies found in FirstResponder allows inbound and outbound public warnings to be converted into all transmittable formats and consecutively communicated through any device and format: phone, fax, web/PC, email, TDD/TTY, PDA, wireless, etc. The software allows a single content source to be sent to all contacts/devices in one operation. Administrators using FirstResponder can also customize messages for a specific audience or selected devices. FirstResponder can communicate with group data sets or dynamic contact lists through standard data files, SQL Server or GeoAlertTM. GeoAlert is a map-based interface customized to the local region(s) that emergency response personnel use to geographically designate contact areas for public warnings. There is no data capacity limit in FirstResponder. Our methodology allows a consistent message and coordinated effort across all communication channels. FirstResponder bridges the digital divide, improves response time, maintains message accuracy and reduces multi-system infrastructure requirements. The open hardware and software architecture of the eVision Platform is based non-proprietary technology and uses web-based programming to integrate contact data and content messages from other systems, including partnering Local, Regional, State and Federal information aggregators. Therefore, FirstResponder is poised to deploy shared security warnings from collaborative agencies. Local systems can utilize Homeland Security information and warnings from sanctioned web services for multi-channel public access and deployment to local first response personnel, member action groups such as Citizen Corps and/or single individuals. Moreover, Governments using eVision are able to prioritize public warning and notification events while using the same system resources to conduct public surveys, provide service information and transact eGovernment business with proactive billing collections, ticket payments, permitting, licensing, tax, parks and recreation reservations, utility payments and more. The eVision Platform features non-proprietary passive backplane chassis architecture with rack-mountable options, shock-resistant drive cages, increased cooling systems, and fault resilient features that support telephony applications and continual operation. The heavy-duty steel construction encloses industrial grade components and nonproprietary devices to ensure top quality and upgrade part availability. The eVision Platform can integrate within a wide variety of networks and office environments and can be installed as stand-alone unit or can interface with a wide variety of servers and data hosts for diversified customer services. Experience: Exclusively serving local governments since 1986, Tele-Works installed base includes over 180 systems serving over 35 million residents in 23 states. Tele-Works bundles adaptive technology and turnkey implementation services into valuable eGovernment solutions. Contact:
Reverse 911 Interactive Community Notification In 1993, Sigma Communications pioneered REVERSE 911® technology, the first geographic-based calling system ever available. REVERSE 911® Interactive Community Notification System offers patented capabilities and flexibility that no other system can. REVERSE 911® is designed so a single individual can use pre-defined database lists and ESRI mapping technology to launch an outbound calling session to your staff and/or targeted groups of the general public in a matter of seconds, saving hundreds of man-hours and even lives. The number of calls attempted per hour by REVERSE 911® is determined by the length of the message and the number of available phone lines. Your calling capacity increases if you have more phone lines – either dedicated to the system, "grabbed" from within your facility via LineGrabber™, "borrowed" via REVERSE911.net™ or accessed via our High Volume Calling service, also referred to as MassCall™. If the unthinkable would occur, we have thousands of available phone lines in which, with the MassCall™ option, you could reach thousands of people in a matter of seconds. Some of the many uses of REVERSE 911® include hazardous material releases, natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods and tornadoes, evacuation and safe-return notification, missing person alerts & senior citizen check-ups, emergency notification & community policing, emergency personnel call-out, and citizen surveys REVERSE 911® includes many standard and optional modules that let you custom-build a system that meets the exact needs of your community: Extended Reach :
Easy Integration:
Convenient Services:
Contact:
Twenty First Century's Crisis Communications Service Description: Twenty First Century's crisis communications service offers the largest inbound and outbound call handling capacity in North America. It delivers unprecedented 1-to-1 communication during disasters such as severe weather, terrorism or environmental events. It is the most effective method of communicating information, gathering data and activating resources available. Experience: Contacts: Vytek Wireless, Inc. - Alert Hardware and Software Description:Products include RF hardware and software for a variety of urgent messaging systems. Through its Wireless Products Division (formerly Sonik Technologies Corporation), Vytek provides specialized receivers for the EAS system, and wireless messaging equipment solutions for public safety, transportation, energy and other industries. Through its Messaging Services Division (formerly Telamon, Inc) Vytek provides actionable, two-way urgent messaging across all protocols, networks and devices. Telalert, the divisions flagship product, is in use at thousands of locations worldwide. Vytek will shortly demonstrate a system capable of nation-wide alerting that it feels can play a role in solutions that will be proposed by the PPW in its National Strategic Plan for Public Warning Experience: The Wireless Products division has been providing RF solutions for emergency warning since 1994. The Messaging Services Division has been providing Urgent Messages applications for more than 10 years. Contact: Description: There is a need in emergency warning plans and systems for an indoor alerting system that does not depend on commercial radio or television, telephone lines, or even electrical service for effective operation. Warning Systems Inc. (WSI) has developed a system to meet this need. The field-proven OnAlert® message system provides a secure, reliable and effective infrastructure for transmitting warning alerts and messages - targeting specific receivers or predefined groups and geographic zones, as well as all-call broadcasts. It combines computer-controlled encoders with microprocessor-controlled receivers to provide fast, dependable transmission of emergency alerts. The WSI system can automatically transmit pre-recorded verbal messages, or deliver tactical, live verbal messages. The OnAlert® system's indoor warning receivers provide secure and reliable emergency message reception, independent of other means of communication. These receivers are well suited for many types of emergency and non-emergency communications. The system also addresses the needs of citizens who have hearing and vision impairments or those in high noise environments by alerting and notifying them via optional strobe light, vibrator device, and text display. Immediate Notification: Unlike the single user service offered by the pocket pager industry, WSI radios can deliver notification and critical information to large populations, or small, pre-selected groups, within seconds. Experience: The OnAlert® indoor warning system from Warning Systems Inc. first gained widespread recognition for its application to the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP). CSEPP was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1992 to institute a planned and organized response for warning the general public if an accident at a chemical weapons stockpile destruction site should ever occur. Because of the desire to protect the public around chemical stockpiles, FEMA implemented strict public notification standards, which were substantially different from any warning programs used in the past. Most importantly, FEMA required continually operating warning receivers in all occupied buildings (including homes, businesses, and other structures) in the immediate area around a chemical weapons stockpile. Contact: WiredRed e/pop Alert Notification System Description:e/pop Alert is a secure, one-way broadcast notification system that enables companies, government agencies and schools to utilize standard PCs to notify their entire organization of impending emergencies, evacuation procedures, important meeting notices, network outages due to regular maintenance procedures and general memorandum requiring one-way communications. It provides the ability to send customized emergency messages, including embedded WAV files, such as siren alarms that play instantly when the alert pops up on the client PC. e/pop ALERT includes a rich set of security options in order to meet a wide variety of enterprise, policy-based centralized management requirements. Security options include RSA for authentication, digital certificates and signing, as well as RC4, DES, Triple-DES and AES for encryption. In addition, all e/pop products provide authentication facilities in order to prevent spoofing. e/pop Alert works within the existing network infrastructure and integrates with NetWare NDS, Windows NT Domain, LDAP and ADS directories to enable system administrators to utilize current network group hierarchy as the basis of the presence management system. Experience: WiredRed has been offering instant messaging and enterprise real-time communications software since 1998. To date there are more than 3,000 organizations that use the company’s real-time technology. e/pop Alert has been available since October, 2001. Contact: | |
| Warning Networks | |
| American Signal Corporation Description: American Signal is an industry-leading manufacture with an outstanding track record of over 60 continuous years of manufacturing of World-Class high power warning sirens and wire/wireless control systems used by communities, the United States Armed Forces, nuclear plants, and various industries throughout the United States and the world. Our product line includes: Sirens
Wireless/Wired Control Systems
Tone Alert Radios
American Signal’s services include “Design Build Turnkey Projects” (DBTP) managed by our project management personnel. A typical “DBTP” system will include the manufacture of the equipment, acoustical layout of the sound system and design of the wire/wireless control system, construction of the field equipment and control stations, system optimization, final testing of the system for certification, and annual maintenance contracts. Contact: The Disaster Warning Network, Inc. Description : The Disaster Warning Network, Inc. is creating the world's first truly effective early warning system for protecting lives and property from the damaging effects of both natural and manmade disasters. The Company is a wireless communications content provider for sending early warnings to customers over any type of wireless point to multi-point data network. Customers will include every person, business, and public location facing danger from any type of disaster. The Problem Solved - Disasters cause much unnecessary death, injury, and property damage in every country in the world. The Solution - The Company will provide early warnings for natural events such as tornadoes, lightning storms, floods, wildfires, tsunami, severe storms, and earthquakes. It will also provide early warnings for manmade disasters such as industrial or transportation spills; chemical, nuclear, or biological accidents; terrorist actions; prison breaks; blackouts; and other damaging events. The Benefit to our Customers - These early warnings will result in very large reductions in human and property losses caused by disasters. The Product/Service - Early warning signals will be sent to customers in real time in advance of the impact of disasters. The early warning signals (1) provide time for people to take response actions, and (2) initiate a wide variety of automated pre-programmed response actions by devices to mitigate the harmful effects of disasters. The wireless data created will be both device and network agnostic and will be transmitted: - Over any type of wireless data network (PCS, pager, satellite, local loop, fixed), - To any type of wireless consumer device (phones, pagers, PDA's, laptops, TV's radios), - To any type of R/F enabled commercial or industrial controller device (e.g. data systems, AC systems, elevators, fuel systems, generating plants, CNC arrays, public transport, etc) The Company seeks to become the major global provider of disaster early warnings by creating a series of strategic partnerships and alliances with wireless data networks, wireless enabled device manufacturers, insurance companies, local/state governmental units, and local media and broadcasters in all areas. Experience: Contact: Emergency Management Network (Emnet) Description: The Emergency Management Network (EMnet) is a satellite based warning and messaging system designed specifically to meet the needs of the Emergency Management community. EMnet allows users to disseminate warnings and messages to individual stations or groups of stations simultaneously and instantaneously in a secure, redundant, and robust environment. EMnet uses components of the TCP/IP environment as well as satellite technology to deliver the message. Built in redundancies and such capabilities as Forward Error Correction and Missed Packet Collection make EMnet a superior messaging system. Typical applications include attack warning, earthquake warning, bioterrorism alerts, radiological warning, hazmat coordination, and weather warning. Communications Laboratories (Comlabs) has integrated full EAS capabilities into the EMnet system, allowing messages to be originated and received, thus providing an ideal transport medium for use in the activation of the EAS. EMnet is also AMBER Alert compatible and provides immediate notification of weather watches, warnings, and alerts. EMnet is currently up and running in Florida and will soon be installed in Delaware. Comlabs, also an established authority in the area of private line communications networks, provides consulting services as well as manufactured equipment to terminate these services, and builds terminals, bridging equipment, and diagnostic systems. Nuclear power plants also use Comlabs equipment to provide notification and alerting of the surrounding communities should a nuclear emergency occur. To date, approximately 70% of all nuclear plants in the United States have purchased and installed our MCU terminal equipment. The National Weather Service utilizes our equipment to provide weather warnings and alerts as well as forecast coordination, such as the National Hurricane Hotline. The financial services market widely employs our equipment to provide instant and private communications between the major trading centers of the world and outlying branch offices, encompassing around 3000 remote sites. Contact: Federal Signal Corporation - Federal Warning Systems Description: Federal Signal Corporation, founded in 1901, is a manufacturer and worldwide supplier of safety, signaling and communications equipment, fire rescue products, street sweeping and vacuum loader vehicles, parking control equipment, carbide and superhard tipped cutting tools, precision metal stamping punches and components for plastic injection molds. The company is managed on a decentralized basis and is comprised of four major operating groups: Environmental Products, Safety Products, Tool and Fire Rescue. Federal Warning Systems, a division of Safety Products Group, is a leading supplier of public warning and notification solutions worldwide. Our core competencies include Software design, Electronic design, Acoustics, RF, SCADA (Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition), Systems Application & Design, and Project Management. As turn-key system integrators, Federal Warning Systems offers products related to four areas of public warning: Outdoor Warning Systems, Indoor Tone-Alert Radios, Emergency Traffic Systems, and SCADA systems for Water and Wastewater Management. The Federal Commander Digital System offers two-way status monitoring and control for indoor and outdoor warning. Offering a digital protocol designed for wireless communication, our system provides emergency managers with reliable system operation. Our warning systems include high-powered electronic, voice-capable sirens and electro-mechanical sirens. The 2001 Siren Series is the world's number one siren with more than 7,500 in operation worldwide. This rotating electro-mechanical siren is rated at 128dB at 100ft, providing coverage of 5,800ft. in every direction. The Modulator Electronic Siren series offers omni-directional tone and voice coverage for areas ranging from 1,200 to 4,500 feet. The UltraVoice Electronic Controller, released in late 2001, is a major advancement in electronic control with extended operation time and digital voice or live messaging capability. Our systems can be easily integrated into any RF system and are designed to operate via Solar Power, Battery, or AC. Federal Warning Systems also offers Tone-Alert Radios for emergency managers and their communities. The Informer is a versatile, high-quality, receiver available in VHF-Low or High and UFH bands. Up to six different event codes can be programmed via a WindowsŇ based software program. The Informer includes four alert tones, three built-in LEDs, optional Relay and 600Ohm output, and decode capability for Single tone, Two-tone Sequential, DTMF, EAS/SAME, and Federal's Digital protocols. Federal Warning System's Right Of Way (ROW) Traffic System is a patented traffic control system that alerts or stops traffic so Emergency Vehicles can safely navigate the roadway. All ROW systems are solar-charged, battery-operated, and radio controlled to reduce installation, maintenance, and costs. The ROW-RED systems meet new Federal Highway Authority standards scheduled for publication in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices). Contact: MadahCom, Inc. – WAVES (Wireless Audio Visual Emergency System) Description: MadahCom, Inc., an established world leader in digital wireless communications, designs and manufactures WAVES (Wireless Audio Visual Emergency System) Mass Notification and Personnel Alerting System for government, military, and commercial use. Approved by Department of Defense, WAVES’ secure wireless technology provides Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) systems for US troops worldwide. WAVES is an integrated alerting and site protection system. The system provides effective means of audible and visual alerting, both indoor and outdoor. WAVES incorporates a PC-controllable network of transceivers, adaptable to virtually any type and any size facility. It can operate as a stand-alone system or be integrated with security systems such as intrusion detection, access control, fire alarms, and nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) detection systems, allowing complete control from multiple locations. A rapid deployment TACWAVES system is also available from MadahCom. The WAVES Autonomous Control Unit (ACU), a UFC-compliant device, is the core component of an individual building system. It incorporates an Audio Command Center, capable of dispatching several pre-recorded messages as well as live voice messages throughout the protected building. These messages can be triggered both locally and remotely. The ACU integrates with fire alarm systems by deactivating its notification appliances while the WAVES system delivers voice messages. Patrols, gates and sentry stations can be supplied with wireless or fixed duress activators. Activation is detected by the nearest WAVES transceiver and is immediately reported to the command center on an emergency priority basis. Activation triggers appropriate alerting messages in the relevant zone(s). Activation can also be triggered by other security systems such as intrusion detection, fire and NBC detectors. Developed using secure wireless technology, WAVES is highly survivable and can successfully operate in severe electronic countermeasure environments. Secure digital Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology and “a redundancy backbone” are incorporated in the system design, preventing jamming, interference, eavesdropping, and spoofing as well as protecting the network in the event of a disaster. The WAVES network reconfigures automatically if a transceiver unit becomes disabled. Alerts and messages continue broadcasting without interruption throughout the rest of the system. The system incorporates a reliable fault-tolerant design, built-in-test (BIT), fault detection and real-time monitoring and reporting of all system components. WAVES does more than just sound an alarm. The software enables automatic, zone-specific, event specific distribution and activation of an unlimited number of emergency messages. Pre-recorded and live voice messages can be distributed an entire base or a single floor of a building through a network of up to 16,000 individually addressable nodes. Live voice messages also can be initiated from the base station or from any field location. Contact:
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Last Updated: January 4, 2005
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