LAFAYETTE, La., Apr. 14, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Security Systems, LLC (GSS) announced today that they are working with the Department of Interior's U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to integrate ALERT FM’s broadcast-based alerting system with earthquake early warning alerts from the USGS ShakeAlert System. USGS and GSS signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) in 2014 to establish a collaboration to test the use of Radio Data System (RDS) alerting provided by GSS ALERT FM system. With additional resources, the USGS system could provide limited rollout across the State of California and the West Coast of the United States next year.
ALERT FM is unique since it operates a dedicated emergency notification system with the ability to deliver time-committed alerts unlike other cellular, telephone or broadcast systems which are tied to internet or telephonic switched systems. These systems delivery times are non-committal due to switched networks and lack of prioritization and timing delays as a result of commercial commitments. ALERT FM is satellite-based wireless and switchless unencumbered by internet connectivity and switches.
“ALERT FM is already being used in many southern states for tornadoes, hurricane evacuation,” said Matthew Straeb, executive vice president of GSS. “ALERT FM uses the digital data subcarrier of local FM radio stations, including Univision station in southern California and public radio station KQED in northern California, to distribute critical alerts in from as little as 6 seconds but less than 60 seconds.”
Information is received on addressable portable or fixed receivers that can be programmed for specific groups, counties, or areas. ALERT FM receivers automatically tune to and lock on to the strongest FM signal in the area. Once ALERT FM has been implemented in California as part of USGS system, receivers will be available for purchase by residents and businesses.
“The ALERT FM receiver automatically locks on the strongest FM station in the area that is on our network. This allows the portable receiver to easily move across counties, areas, or the entire state without losing functionality,” Straeb said.
The USGS ShakeAlert System in California consists of sensors placed strategically throughout the state that detect seismic vibrations and will trigger the system to send out warnings. These warnings could be distributed across outdoor sirens, ALERT FM receivers, smartphone apps, and other notification pathways.
“Earthquake early warning will allow businesses to take actions to protect their employees, customers, and critical infrastructure from strong shaking. Even a few seconds of warning is enough to shutdown vulnerable processes, move people from unsafe places, and for people to drop, cover and hold on,” said Doug Given, Earthquake Early Warning Coordinator for USGS.
About Global Security Systems, LLC (“GSS”)
Global Security Systems is a systems integrator, service provider and manufacturer of the ALERT FM, Alert Studio and GSSNet, a satellite data delivery system. GSS has participated in the development of IPAWS based systems, is a member of the Commercial Mobile Alert Service systems committee, and is actively involved with several EAS and CAP committees. The GSS nationwide GSSNet satellite data delivery system for emergency alerts currently is in operation on over 500 radio stations in 17 states and Canada; is growing daily; and includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages. Corporate website: www.alertfm.com
About Partnerships with USGS
The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) is one of the principal mechanisms used by federal laboratories to engage in collaborative efforts with non-federal partners to achieve the goals of technology transfer. Technology transfer is the process by which existing knowledge, facilities, or capabilities developed under federal research and development (R&D) funding are utilized to fulfill public and private needs. For more information about establishing partnerships with USGS, see the website: http://www.usgs.gov/aboutusgs/working_with_us....asp
Media Contact: Michelle Thiac 601 709 4240 ext. 700 mthiac@gssnet.us
