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Wireless Emergency Communications

Project Goal: Determine what is needed to ensure the next-generation, digitally-based emergency alerts system affords full access to people with disabilities

October, 2006 - September, 2009

Project Team

Project Updates

Researchers on the RERC's Wireless Emergency Communications Project received good news last month during testing of their Wireless Emergency Communications (WEC) project. Results indicate that 94 percent of blind and visually impaired test subjects found WEC to be a significant improvement over their current methods of receiving emergency alerts.

Problem

  • Critical, specific and accessible emergency alerts are not reaching vulnerable populations, such as people with disabilities, utilizing the most optimal means and methods
  • A next-generation digitally-based alert and warning system should be developed in a manner that assures persons with disabilities will be given equal access to alerts and warnings as other Americans.
  • A more comprehensive Emergency Alert System should be developed that incorporates existing FCC disability access rules.

Approach

  • Examine several technology approaches to transmit specific emergency alerts and warnings to wireless devices.
  • Examine potential interoperability issues associated with interconnection with other currently proposed systems or systems in testing (e.g., DEAS/DHS/FEMA).
  • Develop prototypes of one or more promising technology approaches to broadcast local and targeted delivery of alerts and warnings to wireless devices in accessible formats.
  • Field test working prototypes with state emergency management agencies, public broadcasting stations and amongst people with sensory disabilities.
  • Generate recommendations for the FCC concerning the most feasible approach to ensure equal access to alerts and warnings by people with disabilities.

Resources / Links

Project Contributors & Collaborators

Emergency Communications Legislation & Regulation

Emergency Communications Information / Publications

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