Title
Resolution approving agreements with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) enabling local use of the national Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).
Staff Summary
• Lake County has applied for and has been tentatively accepted to implement local activation of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).
• IPAWS is a “system of systems” maintained through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help provide timely notification and warning of the public for emergency and disaster information.
• A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with FEMA is necessary to document Lake County’s intent and technical capability to initiate public warning messages through IPAWS.
• Lake County, through the Emergency Management Agency, already has two computer workstations, which are part of the national ComLabs EMnet system, and are technically capable of launching public warning messages through IPAWS.
• The MOA with FEMA stipulates necessary data integrity, system security, and personnel training measures required of Lake County in order to utilize the IPAWS.
• This MOA with FEMA will remain in effect for three calendar years upon which time an extension is required to be executed by both parties.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IEMA is necessary to document Lake County’s agreement and compliance with the State of Illinois Emergency Alert System and IPAWS plans.
• The MOU with IEMA will be provided after the county submits an executed copy of the FEMA MOA to the state.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Lake County on behalf of the Lake County Emergency Management Agency has applied for a Memorandum of Agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for County use of the National Integrated Public Alert and Warning System; and
WHEREAS, Lake County intends to utilize the National Integrated Public Alert and Warning System to provide necessary and appropriate emergency notification to the public through a variety of media; and
WHEREAS, Lake County, through the Emergency Management Agency and Information Technology Departments, has personnel who have completed necessary initial system and security training; and
WHEREAS, Lake County will apply for a Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency that is also necessary for County use of the National Integrated Public Alert and Warning System;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the acceptance and execution of both the Federal Emergency Management Agency Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Memorandum of Agreement and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Memorandum of Understanding are hereby authorized;
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on this 11th day of October, A.D., 2016.