Topic
This article describes how to use new IPAWS/WEA event codes in Everbridge products, with a focus on the MEP (Missing and Endangered Persons) event code. It explains what the MEP code is, who can use it, and the conditions that must be met for organizations to use new event codes such as MEP in Everbridge and Nixle.
Description
The MEP (Missing and Endangered Persons) event code is a new alert system introduced by FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) in collaboration with the FCC. It allows state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities to send emergency alerts over television, radio, and cell phones to recover missing and endangered persons who do not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert, including both children and adults.
State, local, tribal, and territorial authorities can use the MEP event code. Use of the MEP code is voluntary. Alerting authorities need to update their Public Alerting Application permissions in the IPAWS User Portal to use the MEP event code for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and/or Emergency Alert System (EAS).
To add the MEP event code, organizations first need to ensure that they have been granted publishing rights to their COG Profile by FEMA. Without these publishing rights, they will not be able to use the new event code in the Everbridge system.
If a specific event code, such as the MEP code, is not available in IPAWS settings, organizations need to reach out to FEMA to have the permission added to their FEMA credentials. This typically involves contacting FEMA at ipaws@fema.dhs.gov and requesting that the specific event code be included in their profile.
To use this code, agencies must have a valid IPAWS certificate that includes the MEP code in their profile. If the MEP code is not available in the agency's certificate, they need to request a new certificate from FEMA that includes the MEP code.
For additional reference on general IPAWS concepts, customers can review the following Everbridge Support Center articles: