All about AMBER Alerts
Daktronics partners with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to allow users with eligible display models to broadcast AMBER Alerts through Venus Control Suite. Here's how it works and how you can check if your display qualifies.
Daktronics Commercial Software Training on 9/24/2024
Categories: Venus Control Suite Training
Understanding AMBER Alerts in Venus Control Suite
An AMBER Alert, also known as a Child Abduction Emergency, is a nationwide alert system that started in the U.S in 1996. The name "AMBER" stands for "America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response". These alerts are distributed through various channels, including radio, television, electronics billboards, and more - making Venus Control Suite an ideal platform to help broadcast these vital messages.
How The AMBER Alert System Works
The NCMEC verifies the authenticity of each AMBER Alert and shares the data with secondary distributors, including Daktronics. If your display is eligible in size and configured to zip codes that alert is triggered for, Venus Control Suite will broadcast the alert.
Check Your Display's Eligibility
- Log into Venus Control Suite and open the Displays App
- Select the display you want to check
- Click on the Emergency Alerts tab
- and if you see an AMBER alerts option you are good to go!
If your display is 144wx96h or greater in pixels, and has an aspect ratio less than 5 then you should be eligible.
Choosing the Right Zip Codes
Deciding which zip codes to include is up to you. Consider the areas your display covers. Adding nearby zip codes could make the alert visible to a wider audience, but focus on where your display has the most impact.
You have the option to add up to four zip codes in the Displays App. In larger cities or areas with multiple zip codes choosing one of them should cover the surrounding areas. AMBER Alerts are typically triggered for all surrounding zip codes giving you the ability to save space for zip codes in neighboring cities to cover a wider spread!
How to Enable AMBER Alerts & IPAWS Alerts
To view active AMBER Alerts and find more information about the NCMEC, visit their website.
By enabling AMBER Alerts on your Daktronics display through Venus Control Suite, you're not just leveraging powerful technology - you're actively contributing to public safety and helping protect vulnerable children in your community. Every alert broadcasted increases the chances of a safe recovery. Whether you're managing one display or several, configuring these settings allows you to play an essential role in this life-saving network and take pride in knowing your display is making a difference.
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