What function does FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) serve?

FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is designed to alert the public about emergencies. The primary function of IPAWS is to deliver critical emergency information to the public through various communication channels. This includes alerts about severe weather, natural disasters, terrorist threats, and other urgent situations that may impact the safety and well-being of individuals and communities. By using a combination of technologies and methods, such as wireless emergency alerts, national oceanic and atmospheric administration alerts, and various media channels, IPAWS ensures that timely and accurate information reaches the public quickly, allowing for informed decision-making during emergencies.

The other functions mentioned in the options serve important roles in disaster management, but they do not specifically pertain to the immediate goal of alerting the public. For example, analyzing public emergency response data is crucial for understanding past incidents and improving future response, while providing guidelines for disaster preparedness helps communities plan and prepare before emergencies arise. Coordinating between local and federal agencies is essential for a unified response during crises but does not directly address the need to inform the public in real-time.