June 20, 2019
GEMA/HS provides additional information regarding today's Emergency Warning Systems test
In preparation for the July 1, 2019 US Department Homeland Security FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Pilot Testing Program, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency conducted training and testing on its own emergency alert system. This morning a test emergency alert notification was sent through the IPAWS system. Upon further review, this test message was meant for internal training and testing only and not for public distribution. Although the message clearly stated that it was a test, we are aware that there was confusion on the part of some. We have since issued a cancellation message to ensure the public is clear this was a test message only. Like all training and testing, this will enable Georgia to identify process and communication related shortcomings and work to make our alerting systems better for all of Georgia.