EFFECTIVE DISASTER EARLY WARNINGS

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SYSTEM OPERATION - GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Disaster Warning Network is a newly patented communication system that provides advanced warnings of disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, lightning storms, tsunami, and local flooding. It will also provide early warnings of manmade disasters from chemical or biological accidents and spills.  The Disaster Warning Network provides early warning information to system users allowing maximum time for effective human or automated responses to minimize damage to lives and property.

The Disaster Warning Network has three distinct operational phases.

A) DETECTION

The Network detection technology continuously identifies and confirms in real time, the location, speed, and magnitude of various disasters. It then provides continuous transmission of information about the disasters to a Central Processing Site for ANALYSIS.

The DETECTION phase of the Network in each geographic area relies on various "area appropriate" detection methods.  When appropriate, detection and sensing capabilities are to be performed on a regional basis with currently in-place technologies. These capabilities may/will need to be supplemented with DWN equipment.  Land based Doppler radar, lightning sensors, tri-axial accelerometers (seismometers), rainfall monitoring sensors, ocean buoys and various other sensing devices are to be utilized for detection and sensing of disasters.

Each geographic area will have appropriate detection and sensing equipment that includes the following:

1. Sensors and detectors for continuously determining the location, speed, and magnitude of various disasters that are likely to occur in that geographic area.

2. Transmitters for sending continuous real time information about disasters in progress to a Central Processing Site for real time ANALYSIS.
   

B) ANALYSIS

A Central Processing Site performs the ANALYSIS phase of the Network in each area.

The first function of the analysis phase is to continuously analyze information from all detection and sensing sources in that geographic area and to determine the nature and degree of a threat to lives and property.

The second function of the analysis phase is to determine which geographic areas will be impacted by disasters in progress, which specific users should be warned, and to issue warning instruction signals to network users.

To accomplish these functions the Central Processing Site includes the following:

1. A receiver for information signals sent from all detector and sensing sources regarding natural disasters.

2. A computer system with automated pattern analyzers to provide analysis of the information signals from the detector and sensing sources, and to confirm the location, magnitude, and movement speed of a natural disaster in real time.

3. A continuously updated network user information database to determine location and other appropriate geographic information about each system user.

4. A transmitter to send continuously upgraded warning alert instructions to those Network users in immediate danger from the disaster based on all information in the Central Processing system.
                      

C) WARNING

The WARNING phase is initiated by the central processing site when it sends encoded instruction signals to network users in danger from an existing disaster.  Only those specific areas and specific users that are predicted by the Network to be impacted by the disaster event will receive warning signals.

Among the disasters that are detected on a regional basis from the detection and sensing sources are tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunami, lightning storms, and area wide flooding.  Also included will be the many types of manmade disasters caused by chemical or biological accidents.

The Disaster Warning Network utilizes patented technology to  "localize" the warning signals so that early warnings are sent to only those users that are in actual danger.   This greatly reduces the occurrence of false alarms and increases the confidence level of those receiving the warning signals.

Continuous warning signals are sent to users as follows:

1. Signals are received by Audible Warning devices specifically designed to be always active (on) and provide audible warning. Some examples would be disaster warning sirens, emergency disaster radios, and other types of audible warning alarms.

2. Signals are received by devices specifically designed to provide an audible or visible warning if equipped with appropriate embedded technology designed to receive the warning signals. Some examples would be radios, televisions, pagers, message watches, and cell phones.

3. Signals are received by all types of ancillary equipment equipped with appropriate embedded technology to receive the warning signals, and pre-programmed to perform automated functions based on receipt of the signals. Some examples would be control or shutdown of computer systems, fuel shutoffs, emergency exits and lighting systems, redundant power supplies, transportation systems, and electrical transmission systems.

An unlimited variety of common consumer and commercial devices will be equipped with embedded microprocessor receiver/controllers for performing various warning and control functions needed to minimize the effects of a disaster on lives and property.

Some warning signals will produce an audible warning that will prompt a human response by those in hearing range to take appropriate action in advance of an impending disaster to avoid loss of property or life. A few of the many diverse benefits to users are as follows:

1. Advanced warning alarms in homes, schools, workplaces, and public facilities.

2. Advanced warning alerts on cell phones, pagers, and a wide variety of other communication devices in common usage.

3. Automatic activation of radios and televisions to provide warning alerts.

Some warning signals will be received by various types of ancillary equipment that will prompt a preprogrammed automated response by the equipment receiving the signal. A few of the many types of these active responses that will benefit users are as follows:

1. Automatic opening of entrances to emergency shelters in office buildings, public facilities and mobile home parks.

2. Activation of traffic warning signals at bridges and intersections.

3. Automatic control of computer systems to avoid damage and loss of data.

4. Activation of emergency lighting and generators at public safety facilities, hospitals and nursing homes.

5. Provide more time for emergency rescue teams, and hospitals to prepare emergency procedures.

SUMMARY

In summary, the Disaster Warning Network will detect and analyze most types of disasters as they first occur. The Network will automatically perform real time analysis of these disaster events. And, when disasters do occur, the Network will issue advanced early warnings only to area specific populations who are likely to be impacted by the disaster event.

The Network provides localized area warnings, through a wide variety of commonly used electronic devices, with high informational content, and in real time.  No other disaster warning network in mankind’s history has accomplished these tasks or will achieve these benefits for an entire population using such a wide variety of warning mechanisms.

The Network’s immediate and accurate warnings offer more time for individuals to take appropriate actions in the event of disasters. It also provides those individuals a higher degree of certainty regarding the necessity of those actions. And of great importance, the Network offers a means to automate protective responses to disasters by a wide variety of ancillary products in common usage.

Global implementation and usage of this network will result in a significant saving of lives and a widespread reduction of injuries and property damages during disasters.