The European Emergency Number Association (EENA) has long championed the deployment of robust public warning systems to protect lives during emergencies. In line with this commitment, EENA plays a pivotal role in the EU-funded AWARE project, aiming to innovate public warning systems across Europe.
About AWARE
The AWARE project seeks to enhance public warning capabilities and go beyond smartphone-based alert systems by integrating the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) into fixed devices. The AWARE module enables the reception and processing of EWSS messages which are then transmitted to fixed devices carrying the module, such as digital display panels, long-range acoustic devices, and indoor warning systems.
Integrated within the devices, the AWARE module will ensure broader and more reliable dissemination of critical information during emergencies, even when telecommunication networks are down or disrupted. In case of a looming threat, all citizens in an affected area will receive a timely and accurate warning, minimising their exposure to danger.
EENA participates in the project alongside partners with the necessary knowledge, expertise, and technical capacity to extend the capabilities of Galileo EWSS: Telespazio France, FDC, CNES, JCDecaux, Genasys, the University of Strasbourg, and the Civil Protection Authority of Slovenia.
Public Warning – A Core Focus of EENA’s Work
EENA has played a leading role in advocating for effective public warning systems across Europe. Clear and accurate communication in a crisis or dangerous situation is extremely important for protecting citizens from harm. For that, a multi-channel approach is necessary; a need that AWARE effectively addresses. EENA has promoted the use of diverse alerting methods, ranging from phones and social media to sirens and monitors, to ensure that public warning messages are as effective and accessible as possible. From design to development, EENA has contributed to the implementation of advancements in public warning through the participation in innovative projects such as AWARE.
Beyond technical aspects, EENA has emphasized the importance of human and organisational elements in public warning. EENA offers consultancy services to support civil protection authorities in developing clear procedures for who sends alerts, when, through which channels, and in what languages. Through events such as webinars and the EENA Conference, the organisation creates opportunities for public authorities to exchange best practices and engage with solutions providers. As part of its knowledge disseminating efforts, EENA publishes the Public Warning Report Card, providing an in-depth analysis of the strategies, model approaches and emerging technologies that are shaping public warning systems all over Europe.
Communicating Innovation for Stronger Public Warning Systems
EENA’s involvement in the AWARE project underscores the dedication to fostering collaborative efforts that enhance public safety infrastructure. The AWARE project’s solution, which goes beyond smartphone-based alerts, aligns perfectly with EENA’s advocacy for a multi-channel approach to public warning. Thanks to this innovation, AWARE ensures that warning messages are disseminated to as many people as possible.
Tasked with leading communication and dissemination efforts, EENA is responsible for articulating the project’s purpose, enhancing its visibility and amplifying its impact. By leveraging its extensive network and expertise in public safety communication, EENA ensures that the insights and innovations emerging from AWARE are effectively shared with civil protection authorities, policymakers, relevant stakeholders and the public.
The effective communication of the project’s purpose and results will ensure that the benefits of integrating Galileo EWSS for public alerts are widely recognized and adopted, ultimately improving the safety, preparedness and readiness of citizens across Europe.
