Consent 8.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
Emergency Services
- Meeting Date:
- 02/09/2016
- Title:
- Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) MOA
- Submitted By:
- Norm Sturm, Emergency Services
- Department:
- Emergency Services
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
2
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Norman Sturm
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
ES Coordinator
Docket Number (If applicable):
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve a Memorandum of Agreement between Cochise County and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for access to the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) for the period of February 9, 2016 to February 9, 2019.
Background:
The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) allows approved users to initiate wireless emergency alerts (WEA), to all WEA-enabled cell phones within a designated warning area. Cochise County OES is applying for access to the IPAWS system for emergency public alerting. The IPAWS system can be accessed using our current WENS emergency notification system and will expand our access to almost all cell phones within our county; not just registered users. This access will significantly enhance our notification capabilities. There is no cost for IPAWS access beyond what we currently pay for the WENS system. The WENS system is required to access IPAWS.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
If approved, OES will forward the signed MOA to FEMA and request final approval from the State of Arizona to use IPAWS. The State has already indicated that they will approve our application.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
If not approved, Cochise County will not have first-hand access to IPAWS, negatively impacting our capability to reach residents and visitors with emergency warnings.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Please return one original signed copy to the ES Coordinator.