Contact Information

Emergency Operations Center
Fire Station 2
2185 Wheelock Dr. NE
Rochester, MN 55906

Phone: 507-328-2823
TTY/TDD: More Information

Department Contacts

Be Informed

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Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) provides the ability to send immediate warnings to the American people. It ensures the president of the United States can alert and warn the public. It can also be used by state, tribal, and local authorities to send emergency warnings within their jurisdictions. These alerts will come on cell phones and commercial television and radio stations.

Fact Sheets

PBS - WARN

IPAWS WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS

emergency alert system

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) allows state and local governments, in partnership with the broadcast industry, to provide emergency alerts, information and instructions to the public. The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) was created by FEMA to aid in the distribution of emergency messaging to the public via the internet and mobile devises.

When emergencies and disasters occur, the rapid and effective dissemination of instructions and other essential information can significantly help reduce loss of life and property. The EAS is designed to provide information to the public immediately. However, the EAS will only work through a coordinated statewide effort.

The Minnesota Emergency Alert System Statewide Plan (2021) explains who can create and originate emergency alerts in Minnesota and how and under what circumstances these alerts are distributed via the EAS and the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).

Training

IPAWS Committee

The purpose of the IPAWS Committee is to advise the Statewide Emergency Communications Board on matters related to the system and to coordinate and establish policies, procedures, and protocols for the expansion of IPAWS through private and public partnerships.

The IPAWS Committee will meet on the third Thursday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November). Meeting materials must be submitted to the committee no later than ten calendar days prior to each meeting.

Integrated Public Alert Warning System Committee Members Roster

You can find a list of meeting agendas, meeting materials and meetings for the IPAWS committee by clicking here.

Best Practices Guide