BEACON: Florida's New AI-Driven Hurricane & Emergency Alert System

Overview:

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), in collaboration with the University of Florida and AI company Futuri, has launched BEACON, an innovative artificial intelligence-driven emergency messaging system. This system aims to provide real-time, targeted alerts before, during, and after disasters, primarily focusing on hurricane preparedness in Florida.

Key Features:

• AI-Powered: BEACON utilizes artificial intelligence to process information from local, state, and federal agencies, including the National Weather Service and IPAWS.
• Text-to-Voice Conversion: The system converts text-based information into human-sounding voice messages for broadcast.
• Multilingual: Currently available in English and Spanish, BEACON plans to incorporate Haitian Creole and other languages.
• Radio-Based: Utilizes the robust and resilient infrastructure of AM radio, FM HD channels, and a dedicated mobile app for dissemination.

Functionality:

BEACON gathers relevant emergency information, personalizes it based on location, and broadcasts it via radio and the BEACON app. This provides actionable information to residents and visitors, complementing existing alert systems like the Emergency Alert System.

Benefits:

• Improved Communication: Enables faster and more targeted information delivery, potentially saving lives.
• "I guarantee you, sometime over the next decade, that we will save lives," said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie.
• Enhanced Resilience: Leverages radio's reliability, ensuring communication even during power outages.
• "So why radio? Because radio survives even the harshest storms," said Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.
• Targeted Messaging: Delivers personalized alerts based on specific geographic locations and needs.
• Accessibility: Reaches diverse communities, including those with limited internet access.

Pilot and Expansion:

The initial BEACON site launched at WUFT public radio station in Gainesville, serving the Gainesville-Ocala market. FDEM aims to expand the system statewide before the 2025 hurricane season, with plans for a Southwest Florida launch in the coming months.

Quotes:

• "BEACON combines new technology with the reliability and power of broadcast radio to deliver messages directly to the communities that need them the most," - Kevin Guthrie, FDEM Director.
• "This has been a longtime coming." - Craig Fugate, Former FEMA Director.
• "It complements those warnings by now giving people actionable information about what they need to do," - Craig Fugate.
• "We want to use this as a preparedness tool as we get ready to go into severe weather season,” - Kevin Guthrie.
• "All of the information that we’re receiving is actually vetted at the local level or the state level or the federal level. It’s coming from the storm weather prediction center. It’s coming from local national weather service,” - Kevin Guthrie.

Conclusion:

BEACON represents a significant advancement in Florida's emergency preparedness strategy. Its utilization of AI and radio broadcasting ensures reliable and timely communication, empowering communities to make informed decisions during critical events. The statewide expansion holds the potential to significantly enhance public safety and disaster response effectiveness.