The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is pleased to announce that it has completed all requirements necessary to utilize the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), enhancing the county's ability to communicate critical emergency information during disasters and other public safety incidents.
IPAWS is a national system managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that allows authorized agencies to distribute emergency messages through multiple communication pathways, including the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) sent directly to cellular phones, and other public notification platforms.
The addition of IPAWS provides Iroquois County EMA with another valuable tool to rapidly disseminate life-saving information during severe weather, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies.
While the county now has access to IPAWS, residents should continue to subscribe to and rely upon the Regroup Mass Notification System for routine emergency notifications, community alerts, and localized incident information. Regroup remains the county's primary emergency notification platform.
"I am extremely pleased that Iroquois County now has access to this important emergency communication capability," said Scott Anderson, Director of the Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency. "IPAWS provides an additional layer of public warning that can reach residents quickly during critical situations and strengthens our overall preparedness."
The Iroquois County EMA extends its sincere appreciation to Regroup for its assistance and partnership throughout the implementation process. The agency also thanks County Board Chairman Paul Ducat for his continued support of emergency management initiatives and public safety efforts.
Agencies with IPAWS access are required by FEMA to conduct monthly proficiency tests. These monthly test messages will begin on July 7th and will coincide with the county's monthly siren tests.
Residents who have not yet enrolled in the county's Regroup emergency notification system are encouraged to do so to ensure they receive timely alerts and updates directly from Iroquois County EMA. Visit the Iroquois County EMA Facebook page for more information
