Automatic Mobile Emergency Alerts [Free Startup Idea]

    We need a system to push emergency alerts directly to mobile phones based
    on their location without the need for the person to opt-in.

I don't understand why this can't be opt-in. Granted, emergency alerts are something I would want to receive, but I think it's something that should be provided as an opt-in service, either by downloading an app or signing up with your cell carrier. My fear is that with a helpless, captive audience, the scope of "emergency" would slowly creep outward until you're spammed multiple times a day about the great deals at the Costco in your area. Also, if the service weren't opt-in, it would prevent competition because users would not be able to choose which emergency notification service they want to use.

The Finnish Government is preparing just this kind of a system. Launch is expected at earliest in 2011.

Planning was started after the 2004 Asian tsunami. In 2007 the upfront costs of an emergency alert system were estimated at 1,5 to 6 million euros. At that point the Ministry of the Interior decided to mothball the project.

This year we've had record breaking storm damages. It's likely that development of such system will once again be a priority.

In Finland, mobile emergency alert system is seen as an alternative to current national emergency broadcasts (tv, radio - similar to EAS). Currently the system is very stupid - single bear sightings are pushed nationwide in every broadcast media. It's mostly a matter of too lax regulation on the use of emergency broadcasts, but ultimately a new, more localized delivery method would be needed. This would mean SMS emergency alerts pushed through local cell towers.

For further info on the Finnish project: Google "hätätekstiviesti" and Google Translate.

A sadly related, but very informative is the Virginia Tech shooting report: http://www.vtreviewpanel.org/report/index.html. I did a bit of work (mostly code audit) of an emergency alert system at a University and it was one of the most rewarding work experiences I've ever had. Trouble with these systems is that at least where I worked, they were used to notify people of snow closings, etc., which made some people very angry: "why are you sending me so many e-mails, text messages, etc.?"

This is very well thought out and presented. Even though the internet hasn't reached everyone in the world, cell phones certainly are. I could see this being picked up by someone outside of the US where it hits a little closer to home

I have actually talked to folks who are working on something similar specific to africa I believe. And I've done a little thought in this area as well.

I think this approach for a business would make a lot of sense, and probably would get scooped up by one of the larger players in global mobile infrastructure pretty quickly. Hope your plan falls into the right hands, though I imagine the scope of such tech is a little beyond the typical YC-type startup?

In a previous life I worked at a company [1] doing things similar to this [2]. It was great to see it put to use in the 7/7 London bombings, and it certainly helped save a few lives over the years.

When I left a couple of years ago we were putting the finishing touches to a new version which was much improved, but it looks like that never launched.

[1] http://citysafe.org

[2] http://communitysafe.gov.uk/

I consulted with the Department of Homeland Security about developing a system almost identical to this in 2005-6. It WAS eventually developed. I could give lots of valuable insight. Shoot me a message if you are interested.

Very informative write-up. At Stormpulse we're already sending emails and are about to start sending SMS and phone calls via Twilio. I can vouch for the demand (it's high). Of course, folks still have to opt-in.

Alertia is a great idea! The biggest barrier in my opinion will be dealing with the governments of the 180+ countries than the technology!

Weather bug app does this but it's Opt in. First thing my parents want installed on their phone.

I use it b/c I rarely watch live tv or listen to the radio.

Not sure about the " a system to push emergency alerts directly to mobile phones based on their location without the need for the person to opt-in." Seems a little too big brother to me.