Wireless community alerting system

Abstract

A pager-based alert system includes a monitor center that is in telephonic or data communication with a paging station allowing the command center to send multi-digit code words where selected digits comprise an address for selecting one or more of a plurality of physical units (paging receivers) and to direct the receiver to output visible and/or audible signals indicative of a particular alert condition. By providing the physical unit with graphic icons overlaying the visual indicators, an observer can readily determine the nature of the alert condition so that appropriate remedial action can be taken.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An electronic messaging system comprising: 
 (a) a monitoring center for accepting alerts from authorized agencies including the Federal Department of Homeland Security;    (b) at least one paging terminal having the ability to broadcast a radio frequency carrier suitably modulated with information including addressing data and message data, said at least one paging terminal adapted to receive paging instructions from said monitoring center pertaining to an alert;    (c) a plurality of physical units, each including 
 (i) a receiver tuned to said carrier frequency, the receiver including a demodulator for recovering the addressing data and message data,  
 (ii) a microprocessor coupled to receive the addressing data and message data, the microprocessor having a memory for storing a code list, and  
 (iii) a plurality of visual signaling devices controlled by the microprocessor, selected ones of the plurality of visual signaling devices being activated only when received addressing data matches an entry in said code list, said plurality of visual signaling devices including a color-coded display indicative of a level of threat of terrorist attack as established by the Department of Homeland Security.  
   
     
     
         2 . The electronic messaging system of  claim 1  wherein the one(s) of the plurality of visual signaling devices activated is determined from said message data.  
     
     
         3 . The electronic messaging system of  claim 2  wherein the visual signaling devices are light sources.  
     
     
         4 . The electronic messaging system of  claim 3  and further including icons adapted to be illuminated by said light sources, the icons representing the nature of alerts being signaled.  
     
     
         5 . The electronic messaging system of  claim 4  and further including colored, transparent overlays illuminated by said light sources, said overlays being colored and lettered in accordance with a standard established by the Federal Department of Homeland Security.