ALERT FM

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ALERT FM is an emergency notification system that sends official messages to citizens, schools, businesses, and first responders. It uses the Radio Data System (the data sub-carrier) on local FM stations to deliver alerts. Messages travel from a secure online portal to the data sub-carrier through GSSNet, a satellite data delivery system. People receive the alerts on ALERT FM receivers (mobile, wall-mounted, or USB) or on cell phones with active FM chips and the right software. Receivers can be set to receive local NOAA weather warnings as well.

Global Security Systems, LLC (GSS) of Lafayette, Louisiana, makes and integrates ALERT FM and GSSNet. GSS has offices in Jackson, Mississippi; Lafayette, Louisiana; Sarasota, Florida; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

ALERT FM messages are broadcast via satellite on the digital data sub-carriers of more than 1,100 radio stations in 14 states—Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia—and the British Virgin Islands.

In 2005, the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security awarded GSS the nation’s first statewide contract to deploy ALERT FM. The project installed equipment in 35 local FM stations and provided receivers in all 82 county emergency operations centers, making Mississippi the first state to use ALERT FM. Since then, the system has expanded across Mississippi and the United States, with widespread adoption by counties, cities, and colleges.

In 2010, ALERT FM participated in a FEMA pilot to validate Radio Data System emergency notification for inclusion in the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). The study, led by Northrop Grumman with partners Alertus Technologies and Metis Secure, concluded that RDS is a viable communication tool.