Amber Alert

Following a series of natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, that revealed shortcomings in the nation's ability to effectively alert populations at risk, Congress passed the Warning, Alert, and Response Network (WARN) Act in 2006. Today, new technologies such as smart phones and social media platforms offer new ways to communicate with the public, and the information ecosystem is much broader, including additional official channels, such as government social media accounts, opt-in short message service (SMS)-based alerting systems, and reverse 911 systems; less official channels, such as main stream media outlets and weather applications on connected devices; and unofficial channels, such as first person reports via social media. Traditional media have also taken advantage of these new tools, including their own mobile applications to extend their reach of beyond broadcast radio, television, and cable. Furthermore, private companies have begun to take advantage of the large amounts of data about users they possess to detect events and provide alerts and warnings and other hazard-related information to their users. More than 60 years of research on the public response to alerts and warnings has yielded many insights about how people respond to information that they are at risk and the circumstances under which they are most likely to take appropriate protective action. Some, but not all, of these results have been used to inform the design and operation of alert and warning systems, and new insights continue to emerge. Emergency Alert and Warning Systems reviews the results of past research, considers new possibilities for realizing more effective alert and warning systems, explores how a more effective national alert and warning system might be created and some of the gaps in our present knowledge, and sets forth a research agenda to advance the nation's alert and warning capabilities.

This text provides critical information to help organizations improve their emergency communications, including the tools, automation technology, and processes of crisis notification. To grasp the importance of emergency notification, imagine this scenario: A shooter is on the loose at a college campus. Chaos reigns. To contain the situation, campus personnel need to communicate immediately and efficiently, not only with the students, faculty, and staff, but also the local police, federal law enforcement, and media. Effective emergency notification makes things "right," it allows the right message to reach the right people at the right time—facilitating the right response. Emergency Notification explains how. This book offers must-know information for business security, senior management, human resources staff, government policymakers, and emergency planners, examining what, when, how, why, and with whom to communicate during crises. This text also covers risk communication, message mapping, information loading, audience comprehension, and practical issues like testing emergency notification systems.

Parents will gain insight on how to assist their child in creating a safer profile, and displaying appropriate images. This book will help the reader choose software that can act as a 'virtual' parent to supervise their child's activities.

150 Things You Should Know about Security, Second Edition covers the essential tips and techniques for the latest trends in physical security. This indispensable guide further covers the latest technological trends for managing the security needs of all kinds, from physical and corporate security, to the latest cybersecurity threats. Through anecdotes, case studies, and documented procedures, the authors have amassed the most complete collection of information on security available. Security professionals will find this book easy to use and understand when seeking practical tips for managing the latest security technologies, such as bio-metrics, IP video, video analytics, and more. Several themes have been included, such as management principles and styles, communications, security applications, investigations, technology, physical security, the future, and many more. In addition, tips for quantifying the reduction and prevention of crime, loss and liability risks are included, assisting security professionals in securing corporate resources for security manpower and infrastructure. Provides essential, practical tips on a seemingly infinite number of security topics, allowing busy security professionals quick access to the information they need Blends theory and practice with a specific focus on today’s global business and societal environment and the various security, safety and asset protection challenges Provides tips on how to utilize the growing field of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)