REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Informational Report on Alert and Warning Systems in the City of Santa Clara
Report
BACKGROUND
Awareness of the critical importance of emergency alert and warning systems has intensified with recent catastrophic disasters such as the North Bay Fires of October 2017 and a high profile false missile alert issued in Hawaii this year.
The City of Santa Clara implements the "Alert SCC" (Santa Clara County) System provided by the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services ("County OES"). This is an "opt-in" system that requires pre-registration in order for alerts to be received.
The City is participating in an Alert SCC Promotional Campaign in partnership with County OES and is also developing a plan to increase the capability of the City to issue effective alerts and warnings.
In addition, legislation has been introduced in the State Senate that is expected to have a major impact on current alert and warning systems in California. State legislative changes under consideration include a requirement for all county and city jurisdictions to be trained in a component of IPAWS, and county notification systems would have the option to become "opt-out" for residents rather than the current "opt-in" that requires pre-registration. If the legislation is signed into law by Governor Brown, Alert SCC would become "opt-out" for residents according to County OES.
DISCUSSION
Alert SCC facilitates delivery of emergency alerts via text, email and voicemail before, during and after an emergency or disaster. The Everbridge platform provides Alert SCC to all jurisdictions within the County. This platform also provides access to the federal Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which issues alerts based on location to a threat and does not require pre-registration. Amber Alerts represent an example of IPAWS alerts. Currently, IPAWS is implemented by County Communications, and the City of Santa Clara would contact County Communicati...
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