APCO International Hosting IPAWS Webinar for Public Safety Agencies
What to Know
- Learn about the core functions and benefits of FEMA's IPAWS system for local public safety agencies.
- Discover how becoming an authorized Alert Originator can improve emergency alerting capabilities.
- Explore real-world examples of alerting access stories and the use of Blue Alerts for officer safety.
APCO International will host a webinar on March 4, 2026, focused on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and its operational value for local public safety agencies.
The webinar will provide an overview of IPAWS fundamentals and explain how the system supports emergency communications for law enforcement and other public safety disciplines. According to APCO International, the session will outline the benefits for agencies that become authorized Alert Originators, including access to federal alerting tools and ongoing support.
The program will also examine the role of timely and accurate public alerting in emergency preparedness, with examples of alerting access stories and the use of Blue Alerts to support officer safety and suspect apprehension. Organizers said the discussion will emphasize how IPAWS can be used effectively to protect communities during critical incidents.
Attendees will hear from FEMA leadership on how IPAWS functions within the broader public safety communications ecosystem. The agenda includes a fireside chat and question-and-answer segment designed to allow practitioners to engage directly with system leadership and discuss best practices for alerting operations.
The webinar will feature Manny Centeno, director of FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, and Nicole McGinnis, chief counsel and director of government relations for APCO International.
The session is scheduled for March 4, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be conducted as a web-based seminar.