Enhancing Emergency Alert Systems and Warning Response

Thursday, July 17, 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. MDT
Location: Interlocken B

Research Agenda for Whole Community Preparedness in Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is leading a research initiative on community resilience to define technology applications, analytical methods, performance metrics, and adaptive decision-making frameworks for public safety planning in connected cities and communities. The project outlines the foundational requirements for a national capability aimed at enhancing public safety, health, equity, and climate resilience in the face of regional- and national-scale disasters. This roundtable convenes professionals across disaster preparedness, resilience research, urban innovation, and emergency planning to help NIST shape a forward-looking research agenda. Emphasis on assessing the feasibility, structure, and community acceptability of an integrated communications and decision-making infrastructure that strengthens local disaster planning, real-time response coordination, and inclusive recovery efforts, the conversation will focus on leveraging data-sharing frameworks, predictive analytics, and AI-powered decision support systems; improving coordination among emergency managers, local governments, public service providers, technology partners, and community-based organizations; supporting continuity of critical infrastructure systems, including transportation, energy, communications, and water; and integrating behavioral insights, community engagement tools, and public trust-building strategies. The outcomes of this session may inform future pilot testing and implementation strategies across diverse communities, from urban centers to rural towns, ensuring scalable, equitable, and actionable solutions.