Alerts Made Easy Reaches Semi-Finals in Innovate Illinois Competition

Alerts Made Easy has just been notified that we are semi-finalists in the Innovate Illinois competition!! Here's the note we received:

Congratulations on behalf of the Millikin Regional Entrepreneurship Network (MREN) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for participating in Innovate Illinois. Although the judges had a difficult time choosing semi-finalists, we are pleased that you and your company, www.alertsmadeeasy.com will be representing us at the semi-finals in Champaign, September 24.

Innovate Illinois is statewide entrepreneurial and innovation competition recognizing high-growth entrepreneurs. Businesses compete on the merits of their innovations to be named the most innovative company in the state by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Out of the hundreds of companies that compete, four will win a total of $80,000 in cash prizes.

Needless to say, we are thrilled!

We saw AME in action when the tornadoes hit Williamsville and Loami last week, and we're so glad to know that it is helping people stay in touch and stay safe! If you're not sure how AME can work for you, you can send a free test message to yourself from our site. Or, give us a call, and we'll show you the benefits!

Tornados Destroy Homes In Central Illinois

The storms that tore through central Illinois on Wednesday left quite a path of destruction in Williamsville and Loami, two communities right in our backyard. Altogether, about 47 homes and buildings were completely destroyed or severely damaged, and several others will need significant clean-up and repair as well. Many areas are without power and phone service, and rescuers had to go door-to-door to help residents evacuate their damaged houses. At least 19 people suffered injuries that required a visit to the hospital. To read all of the stories of survival, visit the Springfield State Journal-Register's Web site.

Alerts Made Easy played a role in helping to keep kids safe during the storm! One of our customers sent out an emergency alert to parents letting them know that their kids would be held at school until the storm threat was over. Officials sent this message:

"We are holding students at school until after the threat of severe weather has passed."

This is EXACTLY why we are so passionate about the mission of Alerts Made Easy. There are many stories of people who just barely made it indoors as debris started flying around outside. Some people were caught in their vehicles and had no time to take cover. Luckily, the parents of the kids at this school didn't have to worry about their safety, wondering if their kids were out walking or riding their bikes home as the storms hit. We are happy to be able to provide that all important communication to give parents peace of mind!

We wish everyone affected by the storms the best as they clean up and try to regain a sense of home and safety. It's so encouraging to hear about all of the volunteer efforts and support that community members are providing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!

Federal Government Works to Enhance Emergency Broadcast Message System

The Department of Homeland Security is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance the current public alert and warning systems to "enhance a national capability to deliver geographically targeted, timely, and effective alert messages to mobile devices" (read the press release below). A group of stakeholders met earlier this month to discuss the possibilities of expanding the federal emergency alert system to include mobile phones.

While it may seem the government is a little behind the curve in this endeavor, there is good news. First, we know the technology exists because Alerts Made Easy can do it! And second, you don't have to wait for the federal government to provide these alerts. With Alerts Made Easy, anyone, including state and federal government agencies, city and county governments, emergency management agencies, and school districts, can implement their own geographically targeted, timely, and effective broadcast message system.

We are excited to be able to provide this technology to empower local governments to keep their citizens safe. Most of the time, it's the local governments, law enforcement, and fire departments coordinating the response and recovery effort after a disaster or during an emergency situation. They are on the ground and in the know, with eyes and ears close to the situation and in the trenches, and they need the ability to respond quickly. So, while it's certainly an advantage to have a national, coordinate alert message system, we know that having the ability to broadcast messages from the local level is just as, if not more, important in critical situations.

Press Release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Wed, August 05, 2009

WASHINGTON - In effort to enhance the nation’s emergency broadcast system, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Command, Control and Interoperability Division (CID) of the Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, convened stakeholders from all dimensions of the alerts and warnings community Thursday to determine the next steps to implementing the Commercial Mobile Alert Service (CMAS).

“Early warning is integral to the health and wellbeing of both people and property across our nation,” said Dr. David Boyd, Director, CID. “Through this inaugural CMAS Forum, CID has effectively begun laying the groundwork for a more effective solution and for making the system a reality for the American public.”

Since they were first developed, public alert and warning systems have primarily consisted of messages that interrupt regular broadcasts over television and radio to provide emergency information. With well over 80 percent of the American population subscribing to commercial mobile services, CID is working under a memorandum of agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enable and enhance a national capability to deliver geographically targeted, timely, and effective alert messages to mobile devices.

Today’s forum brought together key stakeholders to build a coalition of local, state, Federal, industry and non-governmental organizations, develop a shared understanding of the CMAS research, development, test and evaluation efforts, and identify important next steps. This is the first time a group of this magnitude and specialty has convened to address CMAS since the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC)

Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee (CMSAAC) held its final meeting on October 3, 2007.

For more information, contact:
DHS S&T Press Office
Phone: (202) 254-2385

Top 10 Ways a Volunteer Fire Department Can Use a Broadcast Communication System

Volunteer fire departments have a big responsibility to protect life and property in their districts. And a lot of their success and effectiveness depends on frequent communication with each other and with the patrons they serve. But because of their volunteer status, members of a department don't always see each other regularly, and it takes extra effort to communicate and stay informed of the latest department news and trainings.

It's also easy for a department to go "unnoticed" by the public, at least until a major event happens or a fire affects them personally. Some people don't realize the time commitment involved to attend meetings, trainings, and generally prepare response protocols for the smallest of grass fires to largest of building fires. It's always helpful for departments to plan regular communications with the people they serve to remind them of that there are trained and dedicated people ready to help in times of emergencies. It's also helpful to remind patrons of the ways in which they can help prevent fires and keep themselves safe.

A broadcast communication system is a simple, yet timely and effective way to facilitate this communication, both to the public and to each member of the department. From sending reminders of fire dangers and safety precautions to announcing member meetings and trainings, a fire department can benefit short, regular contact with the public and members. Here are the top 10 ways a volunteer fire department could implement one:

1. Remind members about business meetings and training events.
2. Remind the public to check their smoke detectors on a monthly basis.
3. Notify residents of a potentially hazardous situation and implement an evacuation plan.
4. Inform residents (especially in rural areas) of high fire dangers and ask for their help in using extreme caution.
5. Recruit more volunteers to help serve the district.
6. Send out monthly fire safety tips to keep residents thinking about fire prevention.
7. Inform residents of special events happening at the fire station, such as health fairs, fundraisers, recruitment activities, etc.
8. Notify residents of road/street closures due to emergency situations.
9. Communicate with residents during times of major disasters, such as a significant fire event, tornado, hurricane, flood, etc. Departments can send messages about shelter options, food, and disaster assistance.
10. Communicate with members during significant events to coordinate response and relief efforts.