System Overview

The Alertus System follows a simple activation process that provides both comprehensive and immediate emergency alert notification across facilities. This process takes place in three simple steps: alert initiation, server/software acknowledgment, and alert activation.

 

Alert Activation

An emergency alert can be activated through a variety of sources using the Alertus system.

  • Alertus Console: Web browser GUI that allows users to send/cancel alerts, configure the Alertus system, and view reports.

  • Alertus Dispatcher: Mobile App (Android, iPhone) that can view, launch, and cancel preset alerts.

  • Panic Button: Physical panic button attached to an Alert Beacon that can trigger preset alerts. Can be used as duress button or to expedite the launching of alerts during an emergency. Software-based panic button can trigger preset alerts from any computer running Alertus Desktop Notification.

The Alertus system is also compatible with a number of inbound integrators.

  • Alertus API: SOAP and REST APIs that enable third-party systems to communicate with the Alertus system (the preferred inbound integration method for single-point activation).

  • Inbound CAP: Allows the processing of Common Alert Protocol (CAP) 1.1 and 1.2 alerts. Provides a standard, compliant way to exchange public warning and emergency data between commercial and government third-party alerting systems.

  • IPAWS: Integrates with FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). Launches alerts/notifications when CAP alerts are posted to one or more Collaborative Operating Groups (COGs). Allows sharing alert data across affiliated organizations and state/municipal alerting authorities.

  • Fire Panel Control: Mixed hardware and software solution that monitors local fire panels and launches alerts/notifications when qualifying events are reported.

  • TheatWatcher: Monitors FEMA’s Emergency Alert System (EAS) feed, the National Weather Service’s alert feed for selected counties or forecast zones, and any RSS or ATOM syndication feeds, and launches alerts/notifications when alerts are issued.

 

Server/Software Acknowledgement

The Alertus server software forms the foundation of the Alertus system. This software can be installed on a computer located on premise or hosted remotely. Most customers prefer an on-premise solution, which affords increased reliability since it is dedicated exclusively to their organization and does not depend on external Internet connectivity. Additionally, data is retained on site, and leveraging existing infrastructure can often reduce costs. Notification points check in with the server periodically to determine whether an alert has been initiated and devices are active or disabled.

 

Alert Initiation

Once an alert has been activated and acknowledged by the system, the Alertus system can disseminate an active alert to numerous endpoints.

An emergency alert can be disseminated using the following Alerus products.

  • Alert Beacon: Wall-mounted ADA-compliant device that displays custom alert text and flashes and sounds when an alert is received. Capabilities can be extended via LED marquees, cable and television override, speakers, public address and fire alarm interfaces, external strobes and sirens, and computer desktop alerting.

  • Alertus LED Marquee: Large display effective for indoor/outdoor use in large public areas. Supports multiple display modes and colors. Displays date and time when no alerts are active.

  • Text-to-Speech Speakers: Standalone text-to-speech speakers convert alert messages to clear, intelligible speech. Outdoor models also available.

  • Public Address and Fire Alarm Interface - Compact text-to-speech module generates annunciated speech for use with voice paging, public address, giant voice, and fire alarm audio systems. Leverages existing infrastructure.

  • Alertus Desktop Notification: Software computer desktop alert client displays a full-screen alert notification on recipients’ computers (Windows and Mac) that can be branded for your organization; users acknowledge receipt of the alert.

  • Cable TV Override: Interrupts a cable TV signal when an alert is issued. Depending on the type and number of channels to override, additional hardware equipment such as a comb filter may be required.

  • Digital Signage Override: Overrides almost any Windows-based digital signage player and displays a scrolling message. Can also be used to interface with any Digital Signage systems designed to retrieve content from RSS/ATOM syndication feeds
     

The Alertus system is also compatible with a number of outbound integrators.

  • Linked Alertus Servers: Enables your Alertus server to send alerts to one or more connected Alertus server. Allows you to set up a hierarchical (parent-child) alerting paradigm within your organization and/or the ability to alert affiliated organizations.

  • Blackboard Connect: Launches/cancels a custom notification or pre-existing notification template in Blackboard Connect.

  • Cassidian Communicator! NXT: Launches/overrides a pre-existing scenario or initiates a custom activation in Communicator! NXT. Can also cancel active alerts.

  • Everbridge Mass Notification and Aware: Launches/cancels a standard notification or template in Everbridge Mass Notification and launches a group notification or scenario in Everbridge Aware.

  • Rave Alert: Launches a custom notification in Rave Alert by posting a Common Alert Protocol (CAP) alert.

  • RSS/ATOM Syndication: Publishes alert content to an RSS/ATOM syndication feed. Can be used to control content on an organizational website or integrate with third-party systems.

  • Syn-Apps SA-Announce: Provides integration with Cisco, Avaya, Shoretel, and SIP-based phone systems. Activates or overrides Syn-Apps SA-Announce paging groups when an alert is initiated from Alertus.

  • Facebook: Posts an alert to an organization’s Facebook page when an alert is sent.

  • Twitter: Posts a tweet to an organization’s Twitter feed when an alert is sent.

 

Support Documentation

You can access the My Alertus Customer Portal at my.alertus.com.

Please contact us for access to the Alertus Customer Support Site, or email us directly at support@alertus.com for additional assistance.