This video addresses how inefficient our emergency alert/warning systems are. Cell broadcasting is a cellular based warning system that uses mobile phones to alert people of impending disasters. Unlike, many existing SMS (text message) alert services, cell broadcasts alert people specific to a geographic area.
My name is Ian Cofrin and I’m from Boulder CO. I’m a 24 year old student at the University of Colorado. As a former firefighter, I’ve witnessed the life saving abilities of early warning. I’ve spent the past year spreading the word about cell broadcasting, because it has the potential to be one of the greatest life saving technologies in history. This system is both fast and efficient. We already have the technology; it is time to implement it.
Some people choose to ignore world issues. They would rather change the channel than get up and take some initiative. Whether we like or not, we are all part of the global community. This video illustrates one of the many ways we can make the world a better place. As Bertrand Russell said, “The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.”
I am sending this message to everyone who will listen because I believe it could SAVE COUNTLESS INNOCENT LIVES!
My name is Ian Cofrin. I am a former firefighter. After the Virginia Tech Massacre I proposed a modification to the Emergency Broadcast/Alert System. Almost a year later this life saving technology is still being ignored. I have done extensive research on this matter. I have spoke with firefighters and IT professors, all of whom confirmed that this system is possible using existing technology. I implore you to spread the word, and help implement, this available technology. I believe this would undoubtedly save lives.
Since my original proposal, [“Reverse 911 Text Messaging” - 4/20/2007], many institutions, such as the University of Colorado, have implemented a variation of this system. Yet, to receive SMS alert notifications, an individual must be an affiliate of that institution and register/subscribe for the service. Consequently, this method of utilization, limits accessibility potential and neglects geographic targeting.
I have posted a 5 min. PSA styled video on youtube to explain how this system works.
Early warnings and efficient communication are powerful tools when it comes to saving lives. Despite all of our technological breakthroughs, the “Emergency Broadcast/Alert System” remains terribly inefficient and outdated.
All over the world, cell phones are quickly becoming one of the most accessible forms of communication technology. Hence, they are an ideal medium for emergency notification. SMS, or text messaging, offers rapid notification delivery with very little bandwidth consumption across cellular networks. Mass text messaging is already being used for “Amber Alerts” and for announcements from your cellular service provider.
Using current technology, we can target emergency broadcasts to wireless network towers, “cells”, in the vicinity of a threat. (i.e. send a warning SMS through all of the cell towers in the target vicinity of a tsunami or hurricane) In effect, the accessibility and efficiency of SMS notification, in conjunction with the geographic delivery precision of “Reverse 911”, would facilitate an Emergency Broadcast/Alert System that is more accessible, efficient, and geographically specific.
I am sending this message to anyone/everyone that will listen because I believe it could SAVE COUNTLESS INNOCENT LIVES!
Recent events (Virginia Tech Massacre) as well as many other tragedies around the world (Hurricanes, tornados, terrorist attacks, etc.) all share something in common…
THE DEATHS OF INNOCENT PEOPLE!
In each case, efficient use of communication could have saved lives. Reverse 911 calls have helped save lives for quite some time. Yet, for some reason, emergency broadcasts are not being utilized with cell phones.
Using current technology, we can triangulate a person’s location using the service towers their cell phones are linked to. Ok… so why don’t we send emergency broadcasts to warn people (via SMS – text messages) of threats in a specific area? Mass text messaging is already being used for “Amber Alerts” as well as various other notifications (i.e. announcement from your cell phone service provider).
I have been researching the limitations of cellular networks and thus far I cannot find ANYTHING that might inhibit a system of Cellular Emergency Broadcasts. If there is some reason this system wouldn’t work… I know we can figure out a way that it could.
I am sending this message to anyone/everyone that will listen and I urge you to pass it along.
A simple adjustment to our cellular networks could SAVE COUNTLESS INNOCENT LIVES!
