FAQs

BEACON (Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network) is an emergency alert system developed by Futuri. It combines artificial intelligence with traditional broadcast technology to deliver around-the-clock, localized crisis communications via radio, television, online, via the BEACON mobile app, and a 24/7 BEACON content dashboard for broadcasters.

BEACON’s proprietary technology aggregates official public safety information from trusted, encrypted government sources, categorizes it based on urgency, and then delivers it in real time to television and radio broadcasters for immediate distribution. Citizens can also access all of BEACON’s content through the BEACON mobile app for iOS and Android, which includes interactive maps with real-time tracking information on severe weather events, amber alerts, wildfires, earthquakes, and more. BEACON is a 24/7 public safety channel, always localized and translated into multiple languages to ensure no community is overlooked.

During disasters, cell phone and internet coverage are often lost, removing a vital source of safety information for millions. Thankfully, broadcast technology (TV and radio) continues to serve as the most resilient type of mass communication available. BEACON provides broadcasters with a trusted and reliable source of life-saving information to share with their local community long after power, and the internet are lost. 

Additionally, with society's growing interest in national news and social media, fewer local broadcasters are able to provide breaking local news. BEACON provides a direct link to content generated by local and state Emergency Management officials, ensuring the public has access to the most up-to-date information about evolving threats and crises, whether natural or manmade.

BEACON also provides content in multiple languages beyond English and Spanish, ensuring emergency crisis communication reaches every community.

Although infrastructure is in place to deliver urgent alerts to the American public in times of crisis, what communities lack today is an “always-on” source of multilingual alerts before, during, and after an emergency. BEACON enhances existing alerting methods by constantly updating its feeds, a feature not currently available anywhere else. In short, BEACON takes today’s Emergency Alerting System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts WEA to the next level.

In addition to serving as a vital source of information during emergencies, BEACON works 24/7, 365 days a year to inform communities on preparing for all potential hazards. During “blue sky” days, for example, BEACON will provide real-time alerts about weather and forecasts and share tips on what residents can do to prepare for life-threatening emergencies such as Hurricane preparedness, school safety tips, drug alerts, and more. After a disaster, BEACON can be used to point survivors toward critical recovery resources. BEACON captures content from both state and federal authorities ensuring every member of the community always has the information they need to keep their families safe when crises happen, whether natural or manmade.

BEACON aggregates information only from credible public safety sources. This includes emergency alerts from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), National Weather Service (NWS), AMBER alerts, and vital state and local Emergency Management officials. BEACON can deliver information on small events or major, national emergencies.

Futuri is making BEACON available to states across America. The product can be launched anywhere in the United States today.

BEACON is already live and delivering geo-targeted information to users in every major city in Florida through the BEACON Mobile App. Through a partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), and the University of Florida (UF), BEACON is also delivering information via broadcast radio in Gainesville-Ocala, Florida, on 89.1FM WUFT-HD4 with more stations launching soon.

To listen to the BEACON stream, users can download the BEACON mobile app, which is available on iOS and Android on the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

You can also tune into information from BEACON in markets with participating TV or radio stations, including 89.1FM WUFT-HD4 in the Gainesville-Ocala region.

Broadcast technology during disasters has proven to be the most resilient technology today and reaches the most vulnerable populations, making it a vital resource for public safety officials and Emergency Managers. BEACON ensures that as the media landscape changes, authorized government agencies have the ability to share critical live safety information over the airwaves and online, on time and on point.

For broadcasters who are not airing BEACON audio or visual content 24/7, BEACON’s text feed is still available for free to all broadcasters so they can still pick up and distribute emergency communications relevant to their audience independently.

No. BEACON enhances existing alerting channels currently used through emergency broadcast systems. It helps local officials and broadcasters use another powerful tool to “break through the noise” to reach even more people and build crisis response and resiliency into their current communications strategies.

Visit our contact page to reach a BEACON team member and learn more about BEACON.