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: 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 within the organisation 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 in charge of using the tool.
Q: How do I provide feedback to the system providers?
A: Through standard means defined in the contract sealed between the provider and the end-user.
Q: Is the system configurable to meet local requirements?
A: Configuration will achieve most of the local requirements, but it's likely that models simulating local events, and gateway to local sources of information shall 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.
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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.
Q: Is the system secure?
A: Yes.

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 use commercial-off-the-shelf equipment for the general public instead?
A: Because security and deployment constraints are not the same.