UsWARN

How USWarn Works


Site Content – Public and Private

Each WARN system contains two major areas: a public and a members-only private site. Administrators can create and edit the content pages of their public and private WARN sites at any time using a full-featured page editing tool that does not require any knowledge of HTML or any programming. Before going live, administrators generally populate their site with basic information for the public and approved members.

The members-only site may only be accessed by approved members using their email address and password combination.

USWarn includes a file manager component which allows administrators to serve PDF, Word, images, or any other files from their WARN site.

Membership

Between emergencies most WARN activity is related to managing membership and contact information. USWARN facilitates this via the following features:

  • Streamlined Applications – Prospective members apply via Membership Application page on your state’s web site. Administrators are immediately notified by email when an application is completed, and they can view the prospective member and can approve or deny the application online.
  • Flexible Member Directory – Members can update their own contact information, including multiple contacts per utility. Each utility may add as many contacts as they wish, and each contact may have as many contact methods (phone numbers, addresses, etc) as desired.
  • Opt-in Preferences – Members may choose from multiple notification levels to best meet their participation level in the WARN system.

Events

A state’s WARN web site is most valuable during an event that impacts its members facilties. USWARN helps WARN systems manage these events by faciltating the network’s response in real-time. An event generally unfolds as follows:

  1. Creation – A state administrator creates a new Event in the WARN system. The web site automatically creates a centralized page for handling the event, then notifies all contacts in t he system via email that the WARN system has been activated. This email includes a link to the the event-specific page.
  2. Resource Requests – Once an event is created, any WARN member may request or offer assistance as damage and available resources are assessed. Requests and offers of assistance are mailed to all applicable members, who can then respond as appropriate. All members and administrators may view and respond to all outstanding requests in real-time.
  3. Administrative Updates – As the circumstances of any event change, administrators may make informational posts. These informational posts are emailed to all members involved in the event, and are also posted to the event’s web page.
  4. Closing – After resources have been accounted for and the event has passed, a state administrator closes the event and members can no longer offer or request assistance.