summary context overview module 1 module 2 module 3 users next FAQ references contacts SUMMARY

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2 SUMMARY The Project and its Aims: Disasters, either from natural or industrial origins, have long harassed us. Though prevention is the key to limiting the effects of these events on population and property, the efficiency of the reaction to disasters can often be improved if the affected population can be warned before a disaster occurs: This is the early warning, which is the central concept to which the technologies proposed by CHORIST apply. CHORIST is a research project active between 2006 and 2009, involving 17 partners from 8 European countries. It studied various technical solutions in the domain of early warning. The technical proposals are aimed at both saving lives and easing the work of the authorities in case of major natural or industrial disasters. The 3 Modules: Tools developed in CHORIST aim at providing more information to authorities and to the population. Three modules were developed and tested in the frame of the project: Module 1 (Situation Awareness) provides an overall real-time picture of events with an assessment of the consequences on the population and on property. This information helps authorities to make decisions. Module 2 (Warning the population) allows authorities to warn the population quickly and through several media routes simultaneously. Module 3 (Rapidly deployable PMR systems) allows both field rescue and support teams in control rooms to get more information on the situation. Module 1: Situation Awareness. Module 1 collects information from existing national or international agencies which monitor and forecast natural hazards (e.g. extreme weather, volcanoes, earthquakes), and from chemical and nuclear industrial areas. Information from dedicated sensor networks (like those monitoring river levels) can also be added, as well as alerts received from the population by emergency service call centres. This information is processed, and by means of simulators and database information, the current and forecasted impact on population and property is assessed. The results are provided to the authorities by means of a Common Operational Picture (COP) enhanced with an alert level. The added-value consists of providing clear, concise and consolidated information from a variety of sources to authorities dealing with these incidents and their consequences. Module 2: Warning the Population A single tool, through a simple interface allows authorities to create and define warning message content, broadcast areas and time durations. A simple click on a button and the warning message can be received by potentially millions of citizens within minutes. The warning messages give information on the incident and on the action which people should take (for example, to go inside, close windows etc.). The initial messages can also redirect people to other sources (TV, radio, web sites) from which to obtain further information and advice. Within the scope of the project, tests with sirens, digital radio, digital TV and GSM (cell broadcast technology) were conducted, but many other channels could be used such as satellites, overroad gantry signs and web sites could be utilised. The added-value for authorities is to provide the mechanisms for timely, appropriate and efficient warning of the population. Decisions on message content whether or not transmit and to whom, will still require the application of professional judgement however. Overall, though, the population can be better warned and informed and lives can be expected to be saved as a result. Module 3: Rapidly Deployable PMR Systems Two complementary technologies are proposed for field rescue teams to exchange information with their control rooms. Both allow the rapid transfer of all the information needed for the emergency services to work more efficiently and effectively. The TETRA TEDS standard enhances the huge existing TETRA infrastructure and terminals used by millions of public safety end users, similar to what was the 2.5G revolution in the public mobile phone networks. Rapidly deployable broadband MESH systems incorporate the latest developments in ad-hoc networks. Terminals automatically connect together in a peer-to-peer structure, thus allowing the radio network to expand its coverage area as it grows in terminal numbers. Cooperation with End Users: The most valuable activity with end-users consisted of setting-up a User Advisory Board (UAB): a committed group of Civil Protection (CP) professionals from various countries and fields of activities helped the CHORIST consortium to design their tools by providing them with feedback and advice. Considerable research has been carried out to understand long-term user requirements and demand for information. Feedback on the concepts of the project has been positive. Field tests conducted in Catalonia (Spain) indicated that, though the prototypes provided limited functionality, the concepts themselves were acceptable to professional users as adding value to their work. 2 / 24 CHORIST project findings

3 CONTEXT: Disasters and Early Warning Despite her nickname of Mother Nature, it has long been understood that sometimes, in some places, she can show a less maternal face: earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, drought, tornados, winter storms, forest fires, floods are events which many of us may have to face. The Industrial era has added other threats such as chemical or nuclear leakage or dam failures. Such incidents occur daily around the globe and all too often the consequences can be severe in terms of loss of life and damage to or destruction of property. Early Warning Systems to warn the population in the event of one of these natural and industrial disasters have evolved over the years: The basic functionalities of such systems consist of (1) detecting the event and (2) quickly warning the people. Some dedicated systems have been developed and deployed for volcanoes, earthquake and tsunamis; the detection element is not perfect, and further studies still have to be performed, but they have proven to be effective in many situations. Industrial risks, resulting from human activities are more easily detected, and where systems exist, the early warning of the population has proved to be efficient. However, there are still many examples where an incident can be detected, but there are no means to warn the people at risk. Early Warning, is to contact the population as soon as possible in case of a major incident which may impact them: to be efficient however, this works best if people are well prepared and trained to react to the warning messages they receive. Awareness of potential threats and of the actions to be carried out in case one of them occurs are key requirements to make Early Warning systems effective. Moreover, the infrastructures have to be built to reduce the impacts of the incident (such as shelters for hurricanes, evacuation routes for volcanoes ). Thus, the foundation for Early Warning is effective preparation. Disaster preparadness and prevention event Disaster response However, early warning systems monitor one threat and they alert the population in a small area. There are dedicated systems for tsunamis with earthquake sensors, and usually sirens installed along the sea shore. Around chemical plants, warning systems are installed which are able to warn people a few kilometres around the plant. Given these intrinsic problems, the enhancement of the quality of the information provided by the sensors and the efficiency of the sirens network will still not solve all the problems: A disaster may be bigger than planned for in the contingency procedures, and the threat may expand far beyond the area where dedicated warning systems are installed. For instance, the Chernobyl explosion released radioactive material over most of Europe. Thus, multi-country aspects have to be solved. Multiple hazards may occur at the same time in the same area, and their combination may not be detected, or even if they are, their combined impact may not be evaluated correctly: for instance, in the case of a highspeed wind blowing over a chemical plant where toxic gas is diffused into the atmosphere. Thus, multi-hazards aspects have to be addressed. An opportunity to expand the area where warning messages are received is by the use of mass-media telecommunication or information systems (TV, mobile phone ). Another enhancement plans to use several of these means in parallel to reach more people, wherever they are and whatever they are doing. Thus, multi-channel aspects are seen as a key enhancement. Being warned in time usually means being able to reduce the impacts of the incident on population and property, but these impacts will not be eradicated completely: the quick reaction of the authorities to evacuate, to provide first-aid, to secure areas and to organise long-term operations are key points in damage limitation. This starts by authorities being informed about the initial effects of the incident, and more generally on the situation. Rapidly Disaster recovery deployable networks for first responders are one of the technical solutions to reduce the impacts of disasters on population and property. Figure 1 : The three-phase disaster time model CHORIST project findings 3/ 24

4 OVERVIEW of the solutions proposed by CHORIST The logic which underlies the technical solutions set up to address the problem of providing information to authorities and to the population is the watchdecide-act chain: observe and assess what is happening decide what to do - act. The system architecture consists of 3 modules: Module 1 observes the environment and provides a picture of the situation to the authorities, along with an assessment on the risks. Module 2 allows authorities to warn the population through several media in parallel. Module 3 is a rapidly deployable telecommunication system for field rescue teams which helps them to receive and provide information to and from the authorities. Existing monitoring agencies (weather, earthquakes, volcanoes ), sensor networks (e.g. along rivers) and emergency call centres provide real-time information as well as forecast about the situation on the environment. Module 1 (Situation Awareness) analyses this incoming information, performs some filtering on it, and then provides a compact picture of the situation to the authorities. This picture comes with forecasts, either provided along with the input data, or calculated by Module 1 itself: this information is augmented with an assessment in terms of risks on the population, so that the decision making is easier. Module 2 (Warning the population) allows authorities to warn the population (resident or not) through Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), GSM (cell broadcast technology) and sirens. Messages can be tuned based on templates; and the locations for message transmission and receipt is adjustable. Citizens are warned immediately and then directed to other sources of information. Module 3 (rapidly deployable PMR systems) provides field units with video and data services. These tools will allow both field units and control room dispatchers to be better informed. Two technologies are proposed: an ad-hoc mesh network based on LTE/WiMAX technologies a TETRA TEDS base station and terminal 4 / 24 CHORIST project findings

5 The studies conducted in CHORIST have led us to identify Modules 1, 2 and 3, which collectively, we call the "Target System": these are live systems to be exploited in the long-term. However, budget and planning constraints led us to restrict the prototypes' development to essential functionalities allowing us to demonstrate the proof of concept without actually implementing all the elements which would make them powerful off-the-shelves products. Both the long-term vision and the prototypes description are addressed throughout this document. The implementation has been limited to specific methods, though many others could be added: The choice depends on technological constraints (security, reliability ), but most of all on the operators' willingness to provide access to their networks. MODULE 1: Situation Awareness The JAVA-based situation awareness tool first classifies the input information following semantic and threshold-based rules and provides results in a tabular presentation. In the event that an incident is detected and making use of this stored raw data, a neighbourhood analysis is carried out and displayed on a GIS map to show the extent of the incident; forecasts are also presented. Detected incidents are then sent in CAP messages to decision makers for further analysis and appropriate action. In parallel, a powerful scripts-based tool was created to train authorities to use Module 1: This tool simulates the data provided by river-level sensor networks, by weather monitoring and forecasting agencies, and by emergency call centres. MODULE 2: Warning the population The Web server-based Message Creation and Dispatcher tool allows authorities to create warning messages from predefined templates (potentially in several languages), to define the geographic zone where each message can be broadcast, to select appropriate channels (DAB, DVB, GSM and/or sirens) and then to plan suitable time-scheduling for the sending of the messages. The CAP-encapsulated warning messages are then transmitted through secured links to various selected gateways giving access to the selected broadcasting networks. Gateways adapt the warning messages to the protocols in use in the broadcasting network (probably not operated by Civil Protection authorities), and the messages are then conveyed to the appropriate broadcasting elements (TV and radio transmitters, GSM base stations and sirens). End-user devices (TV set, radio receiver, or GSM mobile phone), as well as sirens are then triggered, providing visual and audible messages to people. MODULE 3: Rapidly deployable PMR systems The ad-hoc mesh network is an experimental intervehicular IP network which provides 1-5 Mbit/s to end-users. Inter-node range went up to 1 km (unamplified) during tests, but it could be extended even further. Radio and routing protocols respectively based on LTE / WiMAX, and on emerging dynamic MESH network architectures were set up. The long-term goal is to get this wireless backbone automatically setup and maintained between vehicles with little human involvement. Users on foot are under the coverage of cells local to the vehicle's surroundings: Though WiFi is proposed, standard mobile WiMAX in 1-to-N mode would be better. Remote connection to fixed control centres could be made through WiMAX line-of-sight links, or through satellites. The TETRA TEDS base station is an evolution of the narrowband TETRA base station. This ETSI standard allows an achievable transmission rate of 100 kbit/s with spectrum occupancy of 25 MHz and over cells as large as TETRA narrowband cells. Both solutions plan the wide usage of video (live and off-line), still image (high quality) and data transmission (maps, schematics, ECG, documents, s ) to field rescue teams, making it the equivalent 3G revolution for professionals that GPRS and UMTS were for the Public some years ago. CHORIST project findings 5/ 24

6 MODULE 1: Situation Awareness STATE OF THE ART The atmosphere, volcanoes, earthquakes, seas and rivers are continuously monitored through terrestrial sensors as well as (more recently) with satellites. The data collected are analysed by specialists who, with the assistance of computers, provide forecasts of the likelihood of the events to come. Agencies, usually at national level, are dedicated to observing and analysing data in their own domain: Weather monitoring and forecast agencies provide information on the weather and on the sea conditions. The information is made available through temperature, humidity, rain, snow and wind speed/direction forecast bulletins in the form of maps or text. Geological monitoring agencies observe the earth's crust to detect volcanoes eruptions, earthquakes and indirectly, tsunamis. Other institutes, often combined with the aforementioned organisations monitor rivers to warn of flooding and pollution. The Authorities use the Common Operational Picture and the Alerts provided by the CHORIST Situation Awareness module to make their decisions on how to proceed (rescue teams deployment, warning of the population..). Thus, the more complete the information provided, the more accurate the forecast of the event evolution and of the affected area Risk awareness: The Risk Awareness sub-module collects information from various sources (potentially installed in several countries), regardless of borders and nature of the information, including proprietary data. CHORIST does not intend to rebuild what already exists (not only would this be pointless, but it would certainly be impossible to reach the same level of precision), rather to merge the information and results already provided by existing monitoring and forecast agencies. In addition to considering dedicated sensor networks (monitoring river levels for instance), information received from the population via the 112 emergency number, (though not necessarily to be taken at face value), is another source of information which must be taken into account. Chemical plants and nuclear power plants are provided with special cells that monitor any leakage of toxic material into the ground or the atmosphere. This information is provided through various means to the population, transport companies and to the authorities for further use. DESCRIPTION LONG-TERM VISION In the context of the Early Warning, and more especially of the CHORIST project, "situation awareness" means to provide the Authorities with an almost real-time, accurate picture of the situation on natural hazards and industrial events. It is usually associated with a risk assessment which presents an evaluation of the impacts on population and property. WHAT IS 112? 112 is the free-of-charge European emergency phone number available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from both fixed and mobile phones by which callers can contact the emergency services. Figure 2 : River monitoring through sensors network Usually, proprietary interfaces will have to be developed with legacy systems. When providing alerts rather than raw data, the preferred input format is the CAP (Common Alerting Protocol) developed by the OASIS open consortium. The results of the Risk Awareness sub-module can be displayed on a map, but tabular presentation can also be made. However, its added value lies in coupling it with the Risk Assessment sub-module. 6 / 24 CHORIST project findings

7 Risk assessment: When the collection of all incoming data has been performed, the Risk Assessment sub-module then leverages model outputs along with extensive Geographic Information System (GIS) datasets such as satellite imagery, critical infrastructure and population density in order to produce quantitative incident analysis aimed at supporting decision makers in carrying out their duties. The CHORIST Situation Awareness module minimises erroneous user input in an emergency by customising (according to existing emergency plans) the automatic execution of some basic analysis. WHAT IS a GIS? Moreover, the CHORIST Situation Awareness module can embed its own models to forecast the evolution of the situation in case the agencies providing the incoming data do not include this feature or in case the data originate from several sources and need to be combined in one model. It can also import data from existing legacy forecasting systems (for example, meteorology). INNOVATION A geographic information system (GIS) is an information system that integrates, stores, edits, analyses, shares, and displays geographic information. It is used to display interactive maps on computers. The CHORIST Situation Awareness provides the following advantages compared to other existing decision support systems: Useable at different levels (Local / Regional / National), depending on the scale of the incident and according to different roles (e.g. Civil Protection Organisations, police, fire brigades ); A generic and versatile platform which can integrate external prediction models (on floods, weather, volcanoes etc.) defined by specialised agencies / experts; Correlation of diverse information coming from emergency call centres and from different existing environment-monitoring agencies, with no intent to replace them in their own domain of expertise; Improved environmental risk awareness, through the deployment of innovative technology; Greater inter-operability among Authorities and improved integration of existing legacy systems for an effective exchange of alert information; Better contingency planning, resulting in more rapid and effective incident response management; Increased international data standardisation, derived from the ability to identify environmentally vulnerable locations, associated people, and events, and record them uniformly; Improved response capability, derived from a system that allows the use of information and the implementation of preventative and contingency plans across boundaries. Figure 3 : Flash flood model result The raw data as well as the forecast (provided either by external agencies or by the local models) is presented to the authorities on a map which is planned to be readable by non-specialists. The goal is to present the information in such a way that decisions can be taken concerning the population areas to warn, and on the field teams to deploy. The system supports the Authorities, both in their daily operations and during the crisis, suggesting the correct workflow of operations according to the role and responsibility of their own profile. BENEFITS and IMPACTS The benefit of a Situation Awareness system is to provide Authorities with a Common Operational Picture and Alerts usable by non-specialists to help decision making. It is planned to be useable at different levels and by different professions: Each user has their own view of a single information system, with privileges depending on local / regional / national level, the user s organisation and on the user s role and position within that organisation. It is also anticipated that there would be positive impacts on the environment as a result of timely decisions being taken which may in turn lead to a decrease in pollution or damage following an event. 7 / 24 CHORIST project findings

8 Correzione delle previsioni con i dati id ro metrici tempo valori corretti valori calcolati valori misurati summary context overview module 1 module 2 module 3 users next FAQ references contacts THE PROTOTYPE The development of the Module 1 prototype was conducted by Avanti Communications, Elsag Datamat and the EC Joint Research Centre. General CHORIST Module 1 constitutes two major components; Environmental Risk AWareness detection (ERAW) and Risk ASsessment (ERAS). Both components are integrated in a single Graphical User Interface (GUI) for user interaction, and share a common database for data archiving. The ERAS component retrieves the stored data, and calls models (local, circle or polygon as appropriate) from the European Commission s Joint Research Centre geo-political GIS database to retrieve a comprehensive vulnerability map i.e. cartographic information including infrastructure at risk, both current and forecasted within the defined risk area. This information is hence formatted into a report and provided to authorities. The Training System Simulators In recognition of the importance of training and drills in civil contingency management, a training package constituting a number of simulators was developed. CHORIST risk assessment report sub-system Risk Awareness module Risk Assessment module Emergency call centres Alert data merger and correlation Situation analysis Sensors networks Alert data archiving Message dispatch for alert trigger Threat assessment and risk definition Alert elaboration Common Operational Picture & Alerts Industry and environment monitoring agencies Models for forecast (meterological, hydrological...) portate Authorities (local, regional, national) The ERAW component provides the interface to the environment or physical world by measuring precursors to environmental incidents. It constitutes sub-components for data input from a variety of sources, and uses threshold and semantic analysis to indicate a potential disaster situation. In a deteriorating incident, the application user is notified by means of a predefined colour-coding scheme ranging from green, through yellow and amber to red, in order of increasing severity. The user is hence prompted and directed to store the data to a shared database for further analysis and threat elaboration. WHAT IS the COP? The Common Operational Picture (COP) displays operational information (maps, points of interest, field teams location...) to ease collaboration and situation awareness. Usually for the Army. The simulators, though tailored to be used mainly in the three scenarios dealt with in the CHORIST project, are flexible and easily adapted for use in other scenarios. Each simulator endeavours to mimic a real situation by providing a computer model of the incident or process. Simulations can also be archived and re-run to explore the what if? scenarios an important element in civil contingency training. The high speed winds simulator sends alerts to the CHORIST ERAW system that simulate the issuing of severe weather advisory bulletins by a meteorological centre. The bulletins constitute information such as winds speeds (current and forecasted), wind direction, current location where winds are observed, etc. 8 / 24 CHORIST project findings

9 The flash flood simulator simulates the variability of water surface levels using six flood sensors deployed at different locations along the flood plain of a river. The information sent to the CHORIST system constitutes data such as sensor identifier, location, water surface elevation measurement, time of measurement, etc. WHAT IS Situation Awareness? Situation Awareness is the set of knowledge about environmental elements within a volume of time and space. This activity provides raw incoming data to be used by the Situation Assessment. The colour coding scheme The colour coding scheme measures specific parameters related to the phenomenon being simulated. For the flash flood scenario, it is based on the magnitude of the water surface elevation readings, and is configurable as a function of the river where the sensors are deployed. For the high winds scenario, it is based on the magnitude of the maximum wind speeds derived from the Beaufort wind scale. For the chemical explosion incident scenario, it is based on the pollutant concentration per unit quantity of air, relating to know maximum exposure limits. Semantic analysis is dependent on word usage in the description of the event e.g. a definition of severity being extreme, moderate or of insignificant risk is correspondingly translated to red, amber and green. Figure 4 : Input data monitoring The chemical incident simulator sends alerts to the CHORIST system that simulate the issuing of advisory bulletins by a Chemical monitoring agency. The alerts issued by the chemical simulator constitute information such as the location of the chemical plant, pollutant type and concentration, general direction of plume cloud spread (if known), etc. A very important simulator that was developed as part of the training system tool is the European Emergency telephone number or 112 simulator, which models a call centre WHAT IS Situation Assessment? The Situation Assessment evaluates the short-term threats incoming natural / industrial events on populations and goods by means of a GIS and forecast model. Used for decision making. operator receiving information from a caller at the scene of the incident. This ties in with what typically happens in an emergency situation where everyone rings the emergency telephone number in a bid to either seek information or report their observations. The 112 simulator is usable in any type of incident scenario. Typically, the operator elicits information from the caller including; the caller s location, a description of the incident, their observations, etc. This information is then fed into a web form and send to the CHORIST ERAW system. Modus Operandi Each simulator sends messages by HTTP-post to the ERAW system. These are displayed in a dynamic list on the user interface; with each displayed message colour coded as a function of both semantic and threshold analysis as described above. The messages are imported (stored in the shared database), tagged and correlated. This process can either be automated or performed manually by the operator. The stored messages are retrieved by the ERAS and the appropriate parameters extracted to enable web service model calls (local, closed or polygon) to the JRC s GIS servers. A map of the area to be impacted, both current and forecasted, is returned with infrastructure at risk e.g. roads, power plants, hospitals, towns and their populations etc., superimposed. This information is displayed on the application GUI, and can be sent to authorities with an accompanying report. System deployment The system was designed to be flexible and support a distributed, loosely coupled deployment architecture with the goal of achieving location transparency of the system components. This Service Oriented Architecture, together with the use of CAP for potentially converting to and from the native formats of several types of sensors and alerting technologies, provides tremendous advantages in terms of scalability, reliability and fault-tolerance in a real time, lifecritical Environmental Risk Management decision support tool like the prototype developed for Module 1 of the CHORIST project. CHORIST project findings 9/ 24

10 MODULE 2: Warning the population STATE OF THE ART Today's operational systems used to warn the population are mostly sirens, i.e. devices broadcasting sounds with a maximum of 3 or 4 coding schemes each with a corresponding behaviour to adopt. Sirens are installed either outdoor (to warn for tsunamis, earthquakes, chemical plant incident, dam failure ) or indoors (building evacuation, earthquake). Because of the relative small area each one can address, and because of the short number of potential messages they can emit, sirens are dedicated to the specific incidents which may impact the area where they are installed. The telecommunications era has brought radio, television, fixed or mobile telephone and Internet. These networks are able to reach far more people than sirens. A few initiatives have been set up to send population warnings through the telephone network but the practise is not widespread. DESCRIPTION LONG TERM VISION Channels The vast deployment of telecommunication systems which started in the 1930s is expected to be widely used in modern warning systems. The following channels are envisaged: Sirens: broadcast limited coding schemes to a small geographical area. Indoor loudspeakers: by definition limited to the interior of buildings but can provide both pre-defined or ad-hoc messages. WHAT IS CAP? Fixed line telephone networks: Short recorded messages can be sent, however each targeted person meaning one phone call, the effectiveness depending on the availability of Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) is an XML message format defined by OASIS (oasis-open.org) to allow a consistent warning message to be communicated simultaneously over different systems. WHAT IS Cell Broadcast? people called and the effectiveness on the capacity of the telephony system and network used to transmit those calls. Cellular phone: The Cell Broadcast standard is the only viable technical solution to be set up in GSM networks. Solutions providing SMS for mass warning can work only with a limited number of people to alert. Radio networks: The coverage of radio networks is global, though most radio stations only transmit at regional or national level. Warnings can be sent as voice messages, but also as text messages (RDS for FM, digital radio) Paging networks. Road signs. Internet: RSS feed or instant messaging protocols can be used to send warnings. The s and the web sites are effectively restricted to informing rather than warning. TV networks: Relayed networks, satellite networks or cable networks can be used to transmit warnings. Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) such as EGNOSS. Figure 5 : Siren Some channels may already be dedicated to send warnings, or may need minor adaptation to allow warning messages to be sent through them. Others may need a lot of work. This Cell Broadcast (CB) messaging is a mobile technology feature of the ETSI GSM standard designed for simultaneous delivery of messages to multiple users in a specified area. depends on the technology and location of the system. There is no one size fits all solution. However, the current trend is to focus on Cell Broadcast and on Satellites. End devices may also need to be adapted or redesigned: Warnings have to be received without any additional action on an end device, and the needs of the impaired, the young and the elderly must be considered. The use of multiple languages will be supported. 10 / 24 CHORIST project findings

11 Message dispatcher Allowing local, regional and national centres to send warnings through the multi-media channels but to the areas and with the message content they define requires powerful tools that go beyond a simple press-button enabling system. These tools will allow the authorities: to define the content of the warning message; Some pre-defined content is provided but this can be overridden. Messages are delivered in several languages and can be text or voice. to select the channels through which to send the warning messages; to select the area for delivery of the message: The area can be determined in real-time, or can be pre-defined. to send messages following predefined procedures; to get feedback from the actual broadcast of messages; To coordinate the mass warning of the general population with specific warnings to those responsible for security at shopping centres, sports stadia, hospitals and other venues which have their own emergency procedures. In parallel to these warnings (short messages about a particular event), information must be provided (through TV, radio, web sites ) to give more details, and to provide reassurance. So, a Warning System is one element of a wider Information network to the population in case of major incident. Figure 6 : Cell broadcast for mobile phone INNOVATION The CHORIST warning system includes the following advantages when compared to other existing emergency warning systems: The CHORIST warning system can be used at multiple levels (Local / Regional / National), depending on the scale of the incident: In case of a major incident, governments and Crisis Response Centres are capable of distributing the warning messages, possibly over large areas and involving several countries. In a more localised incident, the emergency services can select, edit and distribute the warning messages to citizens in their own area of jurisdiction. Multiple areas can be selected; for each area, various warning messages can be defined; each message being associated to a broadcast date/time. Warning message templates are provided, but can be overridden if required. Messages can be written in several languages; citizens will only see the message in the language they prefer. The geographic message delivery area can be drawn on a map with just a few mouse clicks. Parallel broadcast of messages through multiple networks assists in maximising the number of people reached and to assist in system fallback in the event that one system is not operating properly. Standard protocols assist in merging existing and emerging channels. BENEFITS and IMPACTS Warning Systems provide authorities with the ability to both warn the population and do so over a shorter time. Efficiency is the key. Beyond warnings To work efficiently, populations need to be aware of the existence of installed warning systems, and of the potential actions they could be asked to perform: This is true for the locals (resident and homeless) but also for the transient population such WHAT IS as tourists or business people. DAB? Underpinning awareness, training is a key factor that could lower the impact of an event; to be effective, education has to start with the children so that an emergency procedure becomes a conditioned reflex. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is digital radio technology for broadcasting radio stations offering a major evolution to analog AM, and FM modulations. Not yet widely used these days in Europe (2009). Populations can be warned and better informed of incidents: Short, clear instructions are received, thus reducing the fear of the unknown and frustration born through lack of information. The power of technology also raises new problems: decisionmaking governance; message content; the impact of that message and the peoples reaction to it; too little information; too much information; the potential for litigation. CHORIST project findings 11 / 24

12 THE PROTOTYPE The development of the Module 2 prototype was conducted by Komcentra, one2many, SPMM, TUDelft, VODAFONE and Tradia telecom. A Message Creator & Dispatcher (SPMM and TUDelft) allows authorities to create and send warning messages through a GSM network (one2many and VODAFONE), a sirens network (Komcentra), a DVB network (Tradia telecom) and a DAB network (Tradia telecom). The content of the message has the following structure: Alarm level ('alarm', 'warning', or 'information') Location (polygon on a map) Information (e.g. 'Fire in ') Action (e.g. 'Go ', 'Gather at ') More info (e.g. 'Turn to Radio News for more info') Sender (e.g. 'This message is sent by...') Timestamp (e.g. 'Time is 12:26) The generic structure has been defined through templates which can however be overridden by the operator. Automatic translation has been achieved although the results so far are not convincing. National, Regional or Local authorities 1 Decide CHORIST Warning subsystem Natural hazard / industrial accident area Warning messages to broadcast: Sirens / Loudspeakers Population "Chemical plant leakage - Stay at home" 2 Select Radio Area over which to broadcast the message: Warning messages dispatcher 3 Broadcast TV Mobile phone Schedule of the broadcast Many other means: - fixed phones - satellites - road signs, etc. 4 Receive 5 Act as directed Message Creator and Dispatcher (MCD) The Message Channel Dispatcher is a common tool useable by 3 different levels of authorities in chain: the first one qualifies the information received about the situation; the second one decides what message to send, in which area and through which channels; the third one actually creates the messages depending on WHAT IS DVB the specificities of each channel, and triggers their transmission to the population. The MCD consists of a web server which can be accessed simultaneously by people in different locations through the Internet or an Intranet via a light Firefox web client. Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) is a suite of internationally accepted open standards for digital television. DVB-S & DVB-SH (satellite), DVB-C (cable), DVB-T (terrestrial). Widely used (2009). The area over which to broadcast the message is a polygon simply mouse-drawn on the map. This map is retrieved from any free GIS Internet tool, as well as any other GIS local to the premises where the tool is installed. The operator can define when and for how long the warning messages have to be broadcast. Once the operator has defined all the elements of the warning message, the MCD then sends a CAP message through secure TCP/IP links to each Channel (GSM, radio, TV ) which then interprets and forwards the warning messages according to its internal protocols. The relevant CAP protocol for each channel has been clearly defined in documents with codes rather than free text, so that it is understood by machines. 12 / 24 CHORIST project findings

13 Cell broadcast channel The cell broadcast is a standard functionality implemented in most of the GSM networks but it is hardly used! CHORIST has tested the use of this technology to send warning messages to mobile phones. The activity mainly consisted of setting up a gateway in the Netherlands between the MCD server located there and the GSM network used for the tests in Spain. The gateway had already been defined prior to CHORIST and thoroughly tested during field trials in the Netherlands. So, most of the activity consisted of setting up connections. The protocol used between the MCD and the cell broadcast gateway provides the following elements: Digital Video Broadcasting The solution proposed to send warning messages on the DVB takes advantage of the features of the MHP chipset inserted in the DVB receiver. The warning message is inserted in the flow of information along with the regular flow of TV information. As DVB-T is broadcast by means of elevated towers, the warning messages will be received on areas not smaller than the area covered by one of these TV antennas (i.e. tens of square kilometres). In order to reach smaller areas, the warning message also embeds one or several codes (e.g. postal codes): The end receiver, which has been setup beforehand with the local postal code, will either display or ignore the message. The warning text is displayed in a box over the TV images without any action by the end user; it can be moved or erased with the standard commands of the TV receiver. 1. Login to the gateway 2. Change password 3. Create a new message 4. Change contents and scheduling of a message 5. Kill a message Warnings are displayed in 6. Get information about a message 7. Define an area, to be used as a predefined area 8. Remove a predefined area 9. Get information about a request 10. Create a new message by specifying a list of cells several languages. Icons can be added to symbolise the behaviour to adopt. The smallest addressable area can be the size of a GSM cell, which makes it little in urban areas and much larger in rural areas. CB Messages can be up to 15 pages of 93 characters per page. For emergency warnings, it is advised to use messages which are as short as possible (shorter is better). In CHORIST tests, messages were limited to 2 pages of max 93 characters, which was enough to send warning messages as defined for the field tests and simulating high-speed winds, a flash flood, and a toxic gas leakage Sirens A gateway to sirens network has been implemented: It receives CAP messages from the MCD, and then it translates them according to the protocols used in the sirens network it provides the input for. The parameters mainly consist of (1) the area to warn, (2) the message to send (a pre-defined code known by the population) and (3) the duration of the warning. Voice messages could be used as well, but they are not convenient when sirens are used outdoors, as the message can become distorted over distance and by a variety of obstructions. For the tests, a simulator of a sirens network has been created, as it was not possible to use a genuine siren network. Figure 7 : Warning on TV Digital Audio Broadcasting The standard DAB protocol allows for sending warning messages, but these are data messages, and an audible warning is preferred; thus another experimental non-standard solution is proposed in CHORIST: The warning consists of an audible message which replaces the current flow of radio information. However, many end-user devices are portable or mobile (e.g. car radios) which makes geo-targeting of the radio receiver difficult to achieve. For economic reasons, it was decided that the message would be sent to an area whose area was coterminus with the radio station broadcast, and that the message itself would contain voice information on the location to which it applied. ALERT. TOXIC CLOUD OVER THE CITY OF BARCELONA. GO OR STAY INSIDE. T IME IS 17:06 Figure 8 : Warning on radio CHORIST project findings 13 / 24

14 MODULE 3: Rapidly Deployable Systems STATE OF THE ART Most public safety organisations (police, fire brigades ) use either analogue or digital private communication networks, also known as Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) systems. These systems provide standard unit calls, but mainly group calls which allow several users to discuss in closed group, one user speaking and the others listening. Usually, a dispatcher located in a control room collaborates closely with field teams. Direct communications (i.e. without infrastructure) are a significant added value. All these services include powerful security features. Interfaces with public telephone networks are setup. Data services today consist of sending SMS and very limited amounts of raw data. Standards of the digital PMR world consist of TETRA, TETRAPOL and P25. Figure 9 : PMR mobile (TETRAPOL) WHAT IS PMR? recorded files by other field teams, or by video surveillance systems files transfer: maps (topographic, city, buildings schematics ) Digital cameras high-quality photos (for scene analysis, for facial identification ) aerial or satellite pictures Database access: Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) is a generic name for different analogue or digital radio communication technologies used security and emergency forces, transport services and industry. Fingerprints Personal identification including criminal / terrorist intelligence Car registration through plate number identification Medical records Hazardous materials GIS data, showing static information (maps, roads, etc.) as well as dynamic ones (vehicle & people locations) Remote control of automatic devices (e.g. traffic signals or cameras) access Web browsing (intranet and internet) and many other applications not yet foreseen! DESCRIPTION LONG TERM VISION Though technologies (radio interface and network protocols) for the future will differ drastically from the ones used today, end-user services will still be based on and be developed from today's services. Services: On top of legacy services from narrowband PMR systems such as the unit calls, group calls and SMS, end users will be provided with new data services thanks to the available radio interface bandwidth: real-time or off-line video streaming of WHAT IS VoIP? Voice Over IP (VoIP) is a technology allowing to carry voice information on an asynchronous IP packet network. It differs from synchronous circuit transmission used by legacy phone networks. Figure 10 : Mesh node Protocols: PMR will benefit from both telecommunication technologies dedicated to professional applications and network technologies developed for the general public. The Internet Protocol (IPv6) suite (multicast, mobile IP, VoIP ) will have to be adapted to the PMR which differs from general public usage by higher security constraints, clustering, uploading instead of downloading, resource management, intensive use of wireless, mobility 14 / 24 CHORIST project findings

15 Network protocols will be interoperable so that the same level of service is provided wherever someone is roaming; connection through public networks will be ensured in a seamless and transparent way to the user (such as satellite usage for long range deployment). Though some applications already exist in today's narrowband PMR networks, totally new applications which are both dedicated to public safety and making bandwidth-efficient have to be designed. To ensure interoperability between applications, standards will need to be developed which will define the protocols which allow these applications to communicate with each other, as well as the format of data structures maintained. Radio interface: Modern digital communications technologies (QAM, OFDM), usually split into Wideband and Broadband services will be used to transmit information: Wideband: The TETRA Enhanced Data Service (TEDS) standard plans for enhancing existing TETRA PMR networks with a data rate between 30 and 150 kbit/s per channel. This allows most data services, except the real-time video streaming. INNOVATION IP radio network allowing a huge set of video and data access applications for public safety field teams. Vehicular to pedestrian broadband cells. A self-forming inter-vehicular IPv6 mobile broadband wireless core network: Two-tier, rapidly deployable and autoconfigurable core network, where dynamically - allocated cluster-heads (CHs) allocate the radio resources (MAC/PHY) to the first tier. Flexible routing decisions based on traffic identification. Negotiated Quality of Service (QoS), naturally managed by using the Class of Service label fields. Compatibility with security approaches (L3) as IP packets remain untouched inside the core network (e.g. with Virtual Private Networks -VPNs). IPv6 unicast and multicast support. VoIP-distributed Group Call application taking advantage of the IP multicast features. Connection with legacy PMR network is done through a patch by Dispatch Operators. A vehicular-to-infrastructure WiMAX off-the-shelf long-range backhaul. Figure 11 : TETRA TEDS base station BENEFITS and IMPACTS Wideband or broadband PMR systems will allow authorities to provide a more effective response Broadband: WiMAX and LTE (Long Term during field operations: more information is Evolution) technologies are competing to provide accessed by field teams (pictures, maps, team end users with 1-5 Mbit/s; WiFi has been deployment ) and by control rooms (to assess the discounted as it lacks adequate security and situation and take more informed decisions). QoS management. These technologies can be Moreover, rapidly deployable extensions will reduce used along with narrowband networks (overlay) the time and burden of deploying such networks or they can replace them to provide VoIP and inside buildings or following major disasters which data services. The mesh network technology have damaged the local PMR network. promises to allow automatic radio coverage High-level technology and access to more extensions inside information will also bring have buildings and in the drawbacks of informationoverload, which will need to be underground car parks. WHAT IS managed. Though promising, these the Cross Layer? technologies will need Research, development and frequency spectrum Cross-Layer is a paradigm that revisits the deployment of the radio allocation which is classical IP stack design by enabling more networks, the associated dedicated to public safety flexible exchange of status or control mobile devices and the enduser applications will stimulate and this is far from being information between the components of the guaranteed at this time. communication system. It allows the the sectors of industry and system to be more reactive and adapted to research that will also benefit the wireless context. from the enormous potential of data usage in PMR. CHORIST project findings 15 / 24

16 THE PROTOTYPE The development of the Module 3 prototype was conducted by THALES Communications, EURECOM, TKK (Helsinki University of Technology) and EADS Defence and Security. 2 prototypes were developed in parallel: a rapidly-deployable broadband ad-hoc mesh network (THALES Communications, EURECOM) with VoIP applications (EADS DS) a TEDS base station and modem (EADS DS) In parallel, TKK has studied and experimented with local WiFi extensions of these networks; and EADS DS made studies on the use of WiMAX backhauls. The rapidly deployable broadband ad-hoc mesh network Broadband mesh technology constitutes the cornerstone for the construction of an ad-hoc, mobile core network, integrating two important capabilities: longrange coverage and QoS capabilities. In order to build such an emergency broadband mesh network, a novel broadband air WHAT IS OFDM? interface has been implemented. The MAC layer is label-oriented, where a label corresponds to a particular route within the mesh with negotiated QoS. Nodes in the mesh typically route traffic for several labels simultaneously. Moreover, the MAC layer is clustered, with dynamically-allocated clusterheads (CHs) managing radio resources (MAC/PHY). Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) scheme utilised as a digital multi-carrier modulation method. It is used in WiMAX, LTE, DVB-T Cluster-Head Mesh Router Isolated Node Edge Router Other Access Technology Label 1 Voice communication Label 2 Video communication Figure 12 : Broadband mesh MAC topology cluster CHs are typically the bestconnected nodes in a particular geographical area. In addition, the MAC layer provides distributed mechanisms for path discovery and maintenance. The mechanisms are based on MAC/PHY measurement reporting. This broadband mesh network is complemented by a Label- Switching approach. The labelswitching mesh interconnects with IP at the edges of the mesh network. Such an approach allows for flexible routing decisions, under the control of CHs. QoS is naturally managed by using the Class of Service field of labels. Labels are local to node and allow for local recovery decisions under the control of the Cluster Head. In effect, the label-switching approach is a set of techniques used to route packets at layer 2.5 (under IP layer) in a domain. IP packets entering a domain through an Edge router Rapidly deployable BROADBAND subsystem WiFI local cell ad-hoc core network Long-range backhaul OPTIONAL ad-hoc router & backhaul end-point IP backbone Data & application Servers VoIP video maps... Field rescue teams ad-hoc router ad-hoc router & WiFi base station WiFi terminals Dispatch Operators Legacy PMR network CHORIST project findings 16 / 24

17 are assigned a label. Ingress Nodes push labels according to QoS requirements while Egress Nodes remove labels when exiting the MPLS domain. Labelled packets are switched by intermediate routers using the route defined by a list of labels. In MPLS, a specific protocol (LDP: Label Distribution Protocol) exists to assign labels locally in each router along the route. The LDP protocol is completely new: CHs play a central role in this respect. CHs will allocate the labels of each router residing in their cluster. Each mesh router services terminals on one interface and is connected to other routers on another interface. For the terminals it is acting as an In / Egress node; when relaying traffic, it is acting as a Label Switching Router (LSR). This method allows for fast packet-switching based on QoS, traffic flow aggregation, and provides virtual paths between Ingress and Egress nodes. Moreover, this approach allows the communication system to be efficient in term of QoS management interoperability. Figure 13 : Video for field units VoIP An application emulating standard PMR half-duplex group calls has been implemented. It works over IP, using the benefits of the multicast feature, allowing it to distribute IP packets only to those who are interested in them. Voice packets as well as most of the signalling are transmitted over RTP. For local coverage (say nodes), the application works without infrastructure, i.e. in a peer-to-peer way: the nodes discover each other and users are able to participate in the groups which they have authority for. For large scale deployments, groups of nodes can be aggregated, each being in contact with the other through proxy which implements SIP/RTP protocols derived from the ISSI used in the P25 standard. One of these nodes was turned into a dispatcher position. It can be connected to a TETRAPOL dispatcher position (SADP) allowing it to connect a group communication in the IP world to a legacy group communication. The voice packets are translated between the two worlds; more important, speaker arbitration is done so that only one user is allowed to speak at any given time. WiFi extensions The wireless inter-vehicular backbone provided by the broadband ad-hoc mesh network is complemented by vehicle-to-pedestrian WiFi links. Mobile WiMAX would be more suitable, but this was not available at the time the tests took place. No development on WiFi was made, although theoretical studies, laboratory experiments and field tests were conducted to check if that technology was suitable. Simulations of pedestrians using voice and data (video) show that video quickly hampers voice transmission, as QoS is not managed. Requesting too many communications without quota causes voice transmission to be affected by collisions (leading to transmission errors), delay and jitter. The conclusion is that, though WiFi does not provide QoS management, applications will do so. WHAT IS TEDS? TETRA Enhanced Data Service (TEDS) is an evolution of the ETSI narrowband TETRA standard specifying high speed ( kbit/s) data radio transmission protocols. Tests showed that the H.264 video codec would be suitable to transmit streaming video on TEDS with a data-rate of 38 kbps. However, the image size is rather small and it is preferable to transmit a few high quality images than many of low quality. Figure 14 : Satellite backhauling TEDS A preliminary version of the base station implementing the TEDS standard has been set up for laboratory and field tests. A test modem has also been added. Both implemented only limited features, so the performance levels achieved during the tests are far below what is expected for the product. WiFi extensions have been added to prove the interoperability of heterogeneous means. Though the rapid deployment of a TEDS base station is possible, the main goal of TEDS is to augment the capabilities of today's narrowband TETRA infrastructure. CHORIST project findings 17 / 24

18 WORKING with USERS The CHORIST Project has benefited from a strong User Advisory Board (UAB) led by consortium members BAPCO and EENA, representing respectively, the professional users of the emergency services and the citizens themselves through the local, regional and national governments and authorities. UAB Role The role of the UAB was three-fold: 1. To provide guidance, professional knowledge and a discussion forum for specific topics as required by the other elements of the Project; 2. To develop and provide user requirements on which the Project development would be based; 3. To be active in the areas of information dissemination, impacts analysis and perspective assessment. In effect, the UAB would provide the user / citizen interface to the technical elements of the project. Their initial objectives were to provide a broad spread of operational experience and citizen representation and at the same time to raise both awareness and interest in this and other European projects within these two key communities. With the passage of time, it became more difficult than originally anticipated to attract high levels of interest in the project from users: it is felt that this was largely due to the fact that CHORIST is a proofof-concept and therefore its benefits would be unlikely to be available in the short-to-medium term. The focus of the UAB shifted from trying the establishment of a large group to the use of the BAPCO and EENA networks and the inclusion of specialists where required (for example in the development of the chemical incident scenario). Contact was also made either through personal visits or by electronic means with a range of public safety organisations throughout Europe to ensure that as wide a consultation process as possible was carried out. Scenarios One of the principal roles of the UAB was to develop an operationally realistic set of scenarios and overall story-line which encompassed the three agreed sets of circumstances: high winds; a flash-flood; and a chemical incident. It is important to note that, particularly in a proof-ofconcept, scenarios should be operational ones, validated by the technical community as opposed to technical scenarios validated by the users. The UAB and the technical trials UAB members, together with their colleagues in the Catalonia (Spain) fire services and civil protection community took a close interest in the development and outcomes of the technical trials in Barcelona and Bellaterra (Spain). They constructed questionnaires and carried out personal interviews to assist in obtaining feedback from users and observers; UAB members themselves observed key parts of the trials. Lessons learned In summary, the lessons learned by and from having integrated user involvement in the project are as follows: Research on the sociological & behavioural aspects of providing warnings to citizens is vital and is also a fundamental requirement for citizen engagement in projects of this nature. Early engagement with local authorities and users is essential to provide the project with real experience & feedback. Ideally, local area users should form part of the UAB at the earliest possible stage in the project. Testing the system with rural users and citizens is critical in providing behavioural assessment and feedback. However, this needs to be done with tact and care to ensure that they understand that they are not testing a ready-fordelivery system. Commitment from political and diplomatic authorities (where relevant) is necessary to widen participation to a pan-european level and to ensure that developments will become reality. Language never assume a common understanding! This is equally important when defining a common understanding of technical terminology as well as in general linguistic terms. Conclusion Any project which involves the development of systems and services for the authorities, emergency services or the citizen in general, should include a UAB element within its structure. The CHORIST consortium can demonstrate significant benefits on both technical and user sides to support this assertion. 18 / 24 CHORIST project findings

19 WHAT NEXT? CHORIST proposes technical solutions to address the Early Warning issues: some have been or are already subject to research projects, but many fields remain to be explored. The future of the CHORIST situation awareness module: Sensor networks Whatever the quality of the sensors, awareness works if measurements are made and transmitted in real-time. Technical economic aspects are a key issue. Prediction models Forecasts are already made by specialised agencies, and a system like CHORIST should provide added-value to these models and not duplicate them (e.g. multi-hazard events) Visualisation Tables and state-of-the-art GIS-based maps are proposed by CHORIST, but 3D models should be investigated, as they present the results of the assessment in a way which may lead to better informed decision making. Training Inputs of the situation awareness module must go beyond clear input events, and also include the unsubstantiated information that the Authorities usually receive from phone calls rather than sensors. The future of the CHORIST warning system: Population behaviour Difficult to predict by theories, the behaviour of the population has to be better understood so that the warning systems are efficient. Studies and large field tests have to be conducted to know more on this domain. This topic is non-technical, but is perhaps the most significant thing to understand. Simulations The simulation of population behaviour could be a means to train decision makers when alerting the population: The effects of messages could be evaluated a posteriori. The elaboration of a strategy to warn the population by decision makers could be enhanced with the usage of these models a priori. Standards for warning message content The content of the warning messages, and especially the behavioural requirements, must be harmonised (i.e. standardised) across Europe so that their understanding and the implementation of required actions are properly carried out by non-native people. Supplementary channels The usage of satellite (EGNOSS, DVB-SH ), paging networks, road signs and other message delivery technologies has to be studied and experimented with. Involvement of intermediate security officers Security staff at locations such as shopping centres, entertainment stadia, universities or company premises must be warned at least in parallel to the population, preferably earlier, in order to implement predefined emergency procedures. These procedures may differ from and indeed override the actions required of the general public in the warning messages. Management of these potentially conflicting requirements will be an issue. Warning end devices The provision of dedicated end-user devices for warning message delivery is both an interesting topic to study, and market to explore. As a priority, devices to assist the visually and audibly impaired should be created. The future of the CHORIST rapidly deployable systems: Mesh networks Interoperability between stand-alone IP mesh networks and infrastructure IP networks shall be transparent. Data applications for public safety Many data applications could be created to make profit from the available bandwidth. Security Security of mesh networks is a mandatory feature to be included in the system. It has to be developed. CHORIST project findings 19 / 24

20 Frequently Asked Questions USER PERSPECTIVE: Public Authority Q: When will it be available? A: MODULE 1 in 5-10 years; MODULE 2 in 2-5 years; MODULE 4 (ad-hoc) in 5-10 years; MODULE 4 (TEDS) in 1-2 years. Q: Will it compliment our existing / legacy systems? A: Yes, it will work WITH legacy system by providing added value. Q: What are the business benefits? A: More efficient tools means less time spent and time spent more effectively. Q: Who owns the data within the system? A: The Civil Protection authorities at regional or national level own and maintain the data. Q: Who will have access to local information? A: Access rules will limit the view of the information depending on the location, the organisation and the role of the end user. Q: Who maintains the CHORIST system? A: The tool is maintained by the Supplier, but the data by the end-user. Q: Who will authorise and pay for further improvements / requests for additional features? A: The end-user, i.e. the Civil Protection Authorities. Q: How do I provide feedback to the system providers? A: Through standard means defined in the contract between the provider and the enduser. Q: Is the system configurable to meet local requirements? A: Configuration will achieve most local requirements, but it is also likely that models simulating local events and gateways to local information sources will be developed. Q: Can the system handle multiple events? A: The Developed system does not, but the Target System will. Q: Is it possible to broadcast simultaneous alerts in different languages? A: Yes. Q: Can the system handle other events apart from the planned scenarios? A: Yes, the Target System will achieve this. Q: What are the next steps? A: See page 19. Q: What will my Authority have to do in preparation for taking CHORIST? A: Some training is needed for Authorities. The warning system also requires a population information, education and training programme. Q: Will training be provided? A: Training would be provided to coincide with the contract and installation of equipment. It could be acquired from a third party. This has not been studied in the CHORIST project. Q: Will the system be available in different languages? A: Yes. Q: How will CHORIST be able to accommodate the different Civil Protection arrangements in different countries? A: The design is flexible enough to do this, however no exercises were conducted to demonstrate this. Q: Is the system secure? A: Yes. Q: Can it be hacked? A: In theory, no: however experience has shown that no system is invulnerable. Connection out-with the Internet is preferable. Q: If we use this system operationally, we will need to be able to produce the trail of evidence and decision-making process as relevant to CHORIST: can we be assured that any data which the system receives or sends out is stored and can be retrieved? A: The prototypes have not implemented such features, but the Target System will. Q: We use a 9-level emergency grading system using the following colours: green, blue, amber, red, purple, pink, aquamarine, white and black; can we configure the system to reflect this? A: The prototypes have considered 3 levels, but a Target System will adapt to local requirements like these. CHORIST project findings 20 / 24

21 USERS PERSPECTIVE: Citizens Q: How do I know, that the message I receive is authentic (i.e. a genuine message from a recognised public service Authority)? A: All security measures are taken to prevent the various delivery systems being used maliciously. However, there is no such thing as total security and (whilst unlikely) it is possible that in time, the system may fall victim to hacking and the transmission of spurious messages. Q: Can I move the location of the message on my TV screen? Can I delete it? A: Yes, in the case of using an MHP-based set top box. Q: Will the TV broadcast message come across all channels or do I have to be watching a particular channel? A: All TV channels will broadcast the information. Q: What changes to my existing receiving equipment (TV / radio / mobile telephone etc.) will need to be made? A: Providing your existing device is compatible, it will only require some software configuration through menus Q: Will I need to purchase new equipment? A: There may be some compatibility issues, so you may have to buy new devices. Only new devices will be certified as able to receive warning messages. Q: How will I know the right equipment to buy? A: Civil Protection Authorities will make people aware of compatible devices, and how to configure them. Q: Who will make the changes to my existing equipment, if that is possible? A: this is easily carried out by the user / owner. Q: My mother is blind but she listens to the TV: how will she know that an alert message has been broadcast? A: She will hear the voice message accompanying the visual information. Q: My elderly relative has a mobile phone but doesn t really understand the technology: can I be sure that they will receive an emergency message easily? A: Education will be performed regularly to ensure devices are properly configured and their owners are familiar with the system. Q: Is this system one which I can opt into, or will these messages be delivered to me whether I want them or not? A: You can t avoid the siren and DAB messages, but you can opt out of CB and probably also DVB messages if you configure your set-top box to ignore them. Q: How can I be sure that I will only receive information which is relevant to me? A: Though some technologies allow targeting of small areas, some do not, and you'll have to understand the content of the message, and decide how to behave. Q: When I receive a message, who do I ring to get further information? A: You should not call the emergency services. Further information will be provided on radio, TV and some news web sites. RESEARCH and INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE Q: MODULE 1: Is the Common Operational Picture (COP) only local or can it be visualised elsewhere? A: The prototype implemented a local COP, but the Target System will provide long distance views on it. Q: MODULE 2: Why is cell broadcast preferred to SMS? A: SMS messages consume a lot of bandwidth and there is no guarantee of timely delivery. In case of mass transmission, SMS don't work. Q: MODULE 2: Why haven't you considered the warning of local authorities responsible for security (e.g. county, town level)? A: It was not in the scope of the prototype but this has to be in the Target system. Q: MODULE 2: Will you standardise the CAP version of protocol set in place between the MCD and the gateways? A: No, though it should be along with the basic architecture elements of the chain. Q: MODULE 3: Do the protocols used follow a standard? A: The broadband system is experimental and not standard, but the TEDS wideband system is part of the TETRA ETSI standard. Q: MODULE 3: Why not using commercial-offthe-shelf equipment for the general public instead? A: Because security and deployment constraints are not the same. CHORIST project findings 21 / 24

22 REFERENCES A non-exhaustive list of interesting web sites and documents about early warning of industrial and natural hazards. Civil Protection & Disaster Management Europe Vademecum of civil protection in Europe European Commission - Oct ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/pdfdocs/vademec.pd f Report of the "OECD Workshop on Lessons Learned from Chemical Accidents and Incidents" OECD - Apr Civil Protection, by the European Commission ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/index.htm European Environment Agency UK resilience BBC: Connecting in a crisis EUMETNET: The Network of European Meteorological Services Rinatech project ngue=en Meteo Alarm US Homeland Security USA SAFECOM Hurricane Katrina katrina.house.gov The final Report: tml World ISDR (International Strategy for Disaster Reduction) United Nations Platform for the promotion of the EARLY WARNING Alert Systems USA NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration HAZCollect (All-Hazards Emergency Message Collection System) FCC Emergency Alert System (EAS) World Inventory of Early Warning Systems database.unep.dkkv.org Tsunami Alarm System: GDACS Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System Technology Cell Broadcast (CEASA) FCC: 911 & EAS nd FCC and wideband 7.pdf OASIS consortium (CAP) ITU (International Telecommunication Union) NCOIC Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium 22 / 24 CHORIST project findings

23 CONTACTS EADS Defence and Security [coordinator] European Commission Joint Research Centre FRANCE and FINLAND ITALY Contacts: Patrice SIMON Benjamin PENET Jaakko SAIJONMAA AVANTI communications UNITED KINGDOM Contact: Trevor BARKER Contacts: Alessandro ANNUNZIATO Daniele GALLIANO SPMM THE NETHERLANDS Contact: Wim van SETTEN Elsag Datamat ITALY Contact: Domenico PANNUCCI Komcentra CZECH REPUBLIC Contacts: Jaroslav FELCMAN Jaroslav PIVONKA Thales Communications FRANCE Contact: Vania CONAN Hervé AIACHE Tradia (Abertis Telecom group) SPAIN Contacts: Mirko MASI Tomàs FULGUEIRA Vodafone SPAIN Contact: Guillermo ESTEVE Institut Eurecom FRANCE TUDelft THE NETHERLANDS Contacts: Ben J. ALE Ellen JAGTMAN TKK (Helsinki University of Technology) FINLAND Contact: Riku JÄNTTI BAPCO UNITED KINGDOM Contacts: Ken MOTT Paul HIRST EENA BELGIUM Contacts: Olivier-Paul MORANDINI Gianni PETITI one2many THE NETHERLANDS Contact: Peter SANDERS Contact: Raymond KNOPP CHORIST project findings 23 / 24

24 CHORIST: A research project co-funded by the European Commission proposing solutions in the domain of the Early Warning. PROJECT CHORIST: CHORIST = integrating Communications for enhanced environmental RISk management and citizens safety Framework: Co-funded by the European Commission Programme: FP6 ( ) Thematic priority / domain: IST (Information Society Technologies) Figures: Consortium: 17 members, from 8 European countries Period : 1 June July 2009 (3 years & 2 months) Budget: EC funding: The CHORIST life form: All living organisms - from the worm to the human - monitor their environment with their senses, decide on the appropriate behaviour to adopt, and finally move, eat, hide, sing, reproduce, sleep in accordance with what their senses tell them. There is one rule: the more advanced the intelligence, the more advanced have to be the senses and the complexities and consequences of the action. This "Monitor-Decide-Act" scheme, common in Nature, has been imitated by the 17 European partners from the CHORIST project team when they addressed, between 2006 and 2009, the early warning of natural and industrial disasters. Reducing the damage borne by the population after these events has been translated into providing telecommunication tools and information technologies to authorities, in their duty to protect people during major catastrophes. Sensing the environment, delivering a picture allowing more informed decision making, warning the population and finally deploying field radio tools to manage the incident: these are some of the concepts taken from Nature which inspired the three modules which in turn were developed, integrated, tested in the laboratory and in the field with the Civil Protection authorities. In summary, they are: Module 1 (Situation Awareness) provides an overall real-time picture of events with an assessment of the consequences on the population and on property. This Common Operational Picture (COP) is enhanced with an alert level which assists authorities to make more informed decisions. Module 2 (Warning the population) allows authorities to warn the population in a matter of minutes through several media in parallel (sirens, digital radio, digital TV and GSM cell-broadcast technology). Module 3 (Rapidly deployable PMR systems) allows both field rescue and support teams in control rooms to get more information on the situation. TETRA TEDS and broadband mesh networks aided by WiFi extensions allow the rapid transfer of images, maps, large files Though still in its infancy, technology is progressing by following Nature s concepts for the benefit of mankind. 24 / 24 CHORIST Consortium - July 2009