RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) was honored at the Under Secretary of DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s annual awards ceremony last month, where it was recognized under the prestigious “Building Partnerships” award category. The accolade acknowledges VDEM’s exemplary collaboration with FEMA, local first responders, and private industry in advancing emergency alerts, warnings, and notifications using cutting-edge technology.
The award-winning project, part of the FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), involved a multiagency effort to integrate unattended flood and fire sensors into the existing infrastructure. This initiative aimed to enhance alert delivery through GPS-enabled mapping applications and automotive “infotainment” dash units, providing communities with rapid and accurate emergency notifications.
The Science and Technology-led team, with VDEM’s active participation, showcased its commitment to consistent and coordinated engagement, epitomizing proficiency in building and delivering critical capabilities for its component partners. The project also included a successful demonstration site hosted by VDEM in Virginia.
“Our statewide responsibility and capability to activate the IPAWS/WEA system, coupled with the incorporation of innovative technologies, position us at the forefront of emergency alerting,” stated State Coordinator Shawn Talmadge, “and in this case, we leveraged advanced technology to detect a wildland fire much earlier than normal and alert public safety officials and members of the community. The time saving will save lives.”
Notably, VDEM’s collaboration with Virginia Interoperability Picture for Emergency Response (VIPC) played a crucial role in the project’s success. By leveraging IPAWS/WEA, VDEM has demonstrated its ability to provide early notification to community members, reinforcing its commitment to public safety.
