IPAWS Aims to Bring Emergency Alerts to Gaming Systems
I’m not a gamer, but I absolutely love this idea nonetheless. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is aiming to bring its Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) functionality to a gaming system near you! Talk about expanding your reach!
Background of the IPAWS Initiative to Send Emergency Alerts to Game Systems
First, it’s important to understand that FEMA utilizes IPAWS to send customized emergency alerts, mainly encompassing weather warnings and Amber Alerts, to cellphones and other wireless devices. The organization is also the one responsible for those annoying “this is just a test” alerts on TV and on the radio.
IPAWS is known as a “redistributor” because it deploys alert requests from counties and other agencies to mobile devices in the impacted areas(s). Cellphones and iPads are the obvious devices but alerts are also sent to tourism kiosks, Braille readers and digital billboards. And now, add any gaming system with a video display to the mix.
Of course, the gaming system channel is still in its infancy. In fact, FEMA displayed its new IPAWS technology at CES 2021 as a way to introduce the concept. FEMA’s objective is to work with gaming companies to ensure that their devices are configured properly to receive emergency alerts. FEMA is also talking to virtual reality companies for this as well.
The overarching objective is to get the alerts in front of as many people as possible. Gamers are notorious for their disconnection from reality, so reaching this population is critical. FEMA has discussed the possibilities with Sony and a few other gaming companies, but so far, it’s been slow-going. But that’s okay, because you have to start somewhere.
Will IPAWS be able to successfully work with gaming companies to expand the reach of emergency alerts? Only time will tell, but I think it’s a great idea and I’m hard-pressed to come up with a reason why gaming systems wouldn’t eventually be brought into the fold. As they say, to be continued….
