Listen to article:

The need for an effective national warning system has become more than necessary in the previous decade, particularly in response to a perceived necessity to effectively respond to crises relating to all kinds of potential risks to a country’s national population.

Efficient warning systems should provide a comprehensive and effective means of disseminating information regarding risks of any kind. These include military dangers, terrorist attacks, industrial and natural disasters.

Managing the flow of information on a national level is critical for the successful operation of a warning and notification system. Government agencies, municipalities, private organisations, and key sectors (such as producers of hazardous materials and other entities that may threaten the citizens) should respond quickly and take the necessary action.

What is the Best Way to Achieve It?

• Creating a hierarchical structure: An effective warning system must be built on a well thought out hierarchical structure. The system activation is possible from the main control centre at the national level, individual district control centres, and key sector operational centres.
• Using backup measures and remote testing: It is advisable to combine two communications channels and set up a backup power source to ensure that the system is fully operational in the case of a power or communications failure. Remote siren auto-diagnostics and testing must be assured daily.

Rapid action must be taken to reduce any type of risk and minimise its impacts. Therefore, the condition of a warning system needs to be constantly upgraded and maintained so that its operation, reliability, and effectiveness are secured.

What is the Best Way to Achieve It?

• Focusing on resistance and durability: The full functionality of a warning system in extreme weather conditions, seamless operation in highly dusty environments, and extended durability of its mechanical parts need to be ensured.

• Selecting innovative software technology: Customised functions,  intelligent software applications, and secured communication channels are vital. Features, such as the Text-To-Speech function (automatic conversion of text messages to the audio output) and CAP (Common Alerting Protocol) or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), are now rightly considered as imperative.

The awareness of possible risks, such as natural disasters or hazard exposures, together with coping skills, should be accentuated. In contrast to structural protection measures, such as dams, galleries and rockfall nets, early warning systems are cheaper, installed more quickly and minimally impact the environment.

What is the best way to achieve it?

• Forecasting hazards using monitoring elements: By measuring various parameters such as weather conditions, water levels, air concentrations of hazardous substances, and structural stability, it is possible to introduce threat-specific protective measures.
• Adjusting measures to specific geographical conditions: Threat levels must be recognised, and the appropriate precautions taken for specific geographical regions or specific industries and facilities.

If you are interested in further information on national warning systems, do not hesitate to contact us. Our sales team will prepare a tailor-made solution for you and guide you through the entire procurement process, from the system design to implementation. The Telegrafia company, as a manufacturer and supplier of innovative products, has a wealth of experience in the field of early warning and notification systems.

The article was written by

Monika Pavlik

Monika is an international business manager for Balkan, Benelux and Scandinavian states. She worked with a diverse range of organisations, including government institutions, IGOs in the field of migration, private sector and non-profits. The mentioned experience laid a sound foundation for a challenging and meaningful job she has in the Telegrafia Company. Therefore, she is very excited about bringing you the latest news from the field of early warning and notification systems.