Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What is the On-The-Go Alerting software application?

On-The-Go Alerting is an emergency management alert and warning origination system. It interoperates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (“IPAWS”) to allow authorized users to send alerts and warnings to selected aggregations of the public and other collaborating emergency management organizations.


How does the On-The-Go Alerting application work?

On-The-Go Alerting allows authorized users to create and transmit CAP, IPAWS, and NWEM formatted alerts and warnings (“Alerts”) through IPAWS directly from a desktop computer or any mobile device with an internet connection from the On-The-Go Alerting web site.


Can I choose which type of alert messages to send?

Yes, you can send one type or any combination of the below types of messages. The choice is yours.


Do people have to sign up to receive alerts?

No. On-The-Go Alerting uses the FEMA IPAWS network to deliver warnings and alerts via radio and TV, through NOAA weather radios and via cell phones that are CMAS/WEA compatible. The public is automatically notified on all of the selected dissemination channels without having to sign up.


Is there a way I can see the functionality of the application before I sign up?

Yes. Please contact us at sales@otgalerting.com to request a tour of On-The-Go Alerting.


What is the cost of On-The-Go Alerting?

On-The-Go Alerting uses a user license cost model. There is an annual subscription fee that covers access to the On-The-Go Alerting web site for user administration, license management, and web alert origination. The pricing is a flat fee of $1000 annually.


How do I pay the license fee and when is payment due?

Contact information is collected during the sign up process on our Web site and you will be invoiced after COG configuration and connectivity with IPAWS has been verified.


What credentials are required to be an authorized user?

You must be a member of a Collaborative Operating Group (“COG”) to access the On-The-Go Alerting application. Please contact your local emergency management office for additional information on creating or joining a COG.


What is a COG?

COG stands for Collaborative Operating Group. A COG is a logical grouping of individuals and organizations that work together in response to incidents and disasters in a particular geographic region. Examples of COGs include local fire departments, state police, local police and a county sheriff’s department.


How do I join a COG?

When you sign up with On-The-Go Alerting, you can search for a local COG and request to join that COG. The COG administrator makes all decisions related to membership.


How do you register for a COG?

On-The-Go Alerting will help you register your COG. You can also visit the following two FEMA websites for additional information on IPAWS and registering a COG: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system and https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public-safety-officials/sign-up.


What kind of customer support is provided for On-The-Go Alerting customers?

We provide email and phone support as well as training materials.


Do you accept suggestions and requests?

We will consider suggestions for new features if we feel that they have universal appeal and utility. Please send your suggestions to support@otgalerting.com


Can you provide references we could contact?

Yes. We would be happy to provide references regarding the On-The-Go Alerting application as well as general business references. Please contact Kirby Rice, Program Manager at Kirby.Rice@otgalerting.com.