17 disaster management acronyms you should know

You've already found yourself in a discussion full of incomprehensible acronyms? As in every tech company, the conversations are filled with acronyms that can be confusing when encountered for the first time. We've compiled a list of acronyms we commonly use at the office or in meetings with our customers and partners with public safety responsibilities, to help you navigate our world. 

Emergency warning and alerting systems 

Several acronyms refer to systems designed to warn and alert the public in case of emergencies. These systems play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response, helping to save lives and minimize damage during emergencies: 

1. EWS - Early Warning System: "An integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication and preparedness activities systems and processes that enables individuals, communities, governments, businesses and others to take timely action to reduce disaster risks in advance of hazardous events." (UNDRR definition) 

2. MHEWS - Multi-Hazard Early Warning System: "Multi-hazard early warning systems address several hazards and/or impacts of similar or different type in contexts where hazardous events may occur alone, simultaneously, cascadingly or cumulatively over time, and taking into account the potential interrelated effects." (UNDRR definition) 
3. PWS - Public Warning System - An emergency alert system that disseminates promptly critical information to citizens during crises.  

4. EWSS - Early Warning Satellite Service - A satellite-based service, like the Galileo EWSS, designed to disseminate alert messages directly to populations threatened by disasters, providing hazard information and instructions

5. FWS - Flood Warning System - Monitors and predicts flood events, providing timely warnings to communities at risk, enabling evacuation and protective measures 

6. EEW - Earthquake Early Warning System - It rapidly detects seismic activity and issues warnings to people in affected areas before the strongest shaking occurs, allowing for immediate safety actions 

Two key mobile technologies are used in such systems. We advocate for combining these technologies to maximize the reach and effectiveness of emergency alerts. By using both CB and LB-SMS, we can ensure that warnings reach as many people as possible, even in areas with limited network coverage: 

7. CB - Cell Broadcast - A method of sending messages to all mobile devices in a specific area.

8. LB-SMS - Location-Based SMS - A technique for sending text messages to mobile phones based on their current location. 

Emergency response 

In emergency situations, locating those in need of assistance quickly and accurately is crucial. Emergency call location has become essential in crisis response, helping rescue teams reach affected individuals. Even though the implementation of handset-derived caller location continued to improve in the EU, with 22 states having ensured that their PSAP system is AML enabled, EECC's directive promotes the combination of mobile network-derived and handset-derived location technologies to significantly enhance emergency services' ability to instantly and accurately locate callers, anytime and anywhere. 

9. PSAP - Public Safety Answering Point - Refers to call centers responsible for answering calls to emergency telephone numbers for police, fire, and ambulance services. These centers play a vital role in coordinating emergency responses and dispatching appropriate resources.

10. AML - Advanced Mobile Location - A technology integrated into smartphones that automatically sends the caller's precise location to emergency services when dialing emergency numbers, improving response times and accuracy 

11. NG112 - Next Generation 112 - NG112 enables citizens to contact emergency services in different ways, using the same types of technology as those they use to communicate every day. It also makes possible that 112 PSAPs receive more and better information about emergencies of all magnitudes and improves interoperability between emergency services. Consequently, response time and operation cost will be reduced, while effective response will increase significantly. (EENA)

12. ATAWAD - Anytime, Anywhere, Any Device - a concept that reflects the modern ability to access and use digital services at any moment, from any location, and on any connected device, ensuring timely and effective assistance.

Global guidelines and standards 

Several acronyms relate to standards and initiatives that help improve emergency communications’ consistency and effectiveness across different regions and systems. We design our solutions to be compliant with these international standards and to support global initiatives for improving public safety.  

13. EW4All - Early Warning for All - A United Nations initiative aimed at ensuring everyone on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027. 

14. GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation - A comprehensive EU law that governs the processing and transfer of personal data, enhancing individuals' privacy rights and control over their information.

15. CAP - Common Alerting Protocol - An international standard format for emergency alerting and public warning. It enables the exchange of consistent alert messages across various communication systems and platforms while simplifying the warning process.

16. EECC - European Electronic Communications Code - An EU directive that consolidates and reforms the regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services across the European Economic Area.

17. EENA - European Emergency Number Association - An organization that serves as a catalyst for progress in emergency communications in Europe, driving the evolution of 112 services and public warning systems through research, advocacy, and technological innovation.

These acronyms are common for anyone working in or with the public safety industry, but as technology continues to evolve, new terms and acronyms will undoubtedly emerge so it’s important to keep up.  

By leveraging advanced technologies and adhering to international standards, we can create more robust and efficient public warning systems. These systems are essential for minimizing the impact of disasters and saving lives in emergency situations. As we continue to innovate in this field, our goal remains clear: to provide the most effective and reliable public safety solutions possible.