FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) announced Manuel (Manny) Centeno is the new IPAWS Director. He succeeds Antwane Johnson, who recently retired.
IPAWS is FEMA’s national system for local alerting. Before you hear a Wireless Emergency Alert on your cell phone, or an Emergency Alert System message on the radio or television, FEMA transmits those messages through its IPAWS system before they are sent to various outlets.
Centeno has been supporting IPAWS in different capacities since 2010, notes FEMA. “His work has been integral to propelling the program to new heights. Chief among his accomplishments is his oversight of the National Public Warning System and the Primary Entry Point system which helped ensure emergency communications can reach more than 90 percent of the public under all conditions,” states FEMA.
Centeno led the execution of the first Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test in 2011, directed the development of IPAWS’ satellite communications network, and spearheaded innovative solutions to protect critical systems from Electromagnetic Pulse. He also led the establishment of the IPAWS Laboratory and Technical Support Service Facility in southern Maryland.
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