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ACTIVATING, CONFIGURING, AND TESTING VEEWS
Valcom's Earthquake Early Warning System (VEEWS) was developed in partnership with the USGS and is
powered by ShakeAlert® to deliver warnings seconds in advance of shaking at any specific location. These
warning messages are intended to provide those receiving them with the time to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On"
(DCHO) or take other protective actions.
This guide is intended to provide the knowledge necessary to commission a new VEEWS account with the
Interactive Console-VE8091 from activation through configuration and testing.
INTERACTIVE CONSOLE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS & NOTES for VEEWS
Internet access configured properly
Established Group Codes
Properly configured NTP
Broadcast endpoints installed (speakers, horns, signs, etc.)
Access VE8091 Technical Specs & Installation Manual at
VEEWS can also be commissioned through a VE6025-Application Server Pro
ACTIVATING VEEWS
Step 1: Ensure Proper Firmware
VEEWS is available for use with an Interactive Console updated to at least v1.3.03+ firmware. This information
can be found via an Internet browser at your unit's IP address: Settings -> Upgrade. If necessary, contact Valcom
Technical Support (support@valcom.com) to obtain the proper software and update the Interactive Console.
Step 2: Acquire and Enter a VEEWS Activation Key
VEEWS Activation Keys are unique to each Interactive Console OR Application Server Pro AND specific to the
site/location (physical mailing address, latitude, and longitude) where VEEWS service will deliver alert messages.
Interactive Console – VE8091
https://www.valcomes.com
(separate document)
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Summary of Contents for Valcom VE8091
- Page 1 VEEWS is available for use with an Interactive Console updated to at least v1.3.03+ firmware. This information can be found via an Internet browser at your unit’s IP address: Settings -> Upgrade. If necessary, contact Valcom Technical Support (support@valcom.com) to obtain the proper software and update the Interactive Console.
- Page 2 After logging into the Interactive Console’s IP address navigate to Settings -> VEEWS. NOTE: There is a “Learn More” option to build knowledge of VEEWS and the USGS’ ShakeAlert® system before making a purchasing decision. This is beyond the scope of this document. IF an Activation Key is needed, click on “Purchase VEEWS”...
- Page 3 Step 3: Accept the EULA VEEWS contains a supplemental End User License Agreement (EULA). Read through and click “Accept ”. Step 4: USGS Disclaimers and Training Affirmations You will now need to affirm two USGS disclaimers by checking their respective boxes. Additionally, an identified individual will need to acknowledge responsibility to deliver end-user training to individuals on-premise who will be receiving and responding to VEEWS messages;...
- Page 4 After completing the required information, click “Submit”. A new graphical user interface (GUI) is presented and a “Service Not Running” status message is displayed. IMPORTANT: To complete activation you must now reboot the Interactive Console. Navigate: Session -> Reboot. After Reboot the VEEWS status is changed to “Running” and two test buttons are added to the GUI: IMPORTANT: Though activated, you must now configure VEEWS for proper message delivery.
- Page 5 The exact coordinates are important in determining when an earthquake alert message will be broadcast to your location. If these values are found to be in error, you will need to contact Valcom Technical Support (support@valcom.com) for assistance in updating.
- Page 6 2) Configuration Settings There are two groups of settings: Alert Settings and Notification Settings. Alert Settings: These determine when and where earthquake alert messages will be played on-site. Alert Threshold: This value determines the level at which an earthquake alert message will activate and play based upon the Modified Mercalli (MMI) Intensity Scale*.
- Page 7 Service Notification Paging Enable: Check this box to activate paging service notification settings. Service Notification Page Group: This identifies a group of on-site endpoints to broadcast an audio and/or visual service notification. Valcom VL520 or VL550 sign-speakers are good options. This group will likely include administrative, security, IT, and/or facilities/operations offices and staff.
- Page 8 3) VEEWS Status, Testing, and Resources Status – VEEWS status is indicated in the uppermost box as “Running” or “Not Running”. Testing – VEEWS offers two methods of onsite testing: Local Test: Use this functionality to ensure that identified Alert Settings: Group Code broadcasts a simple, local test message as intended on-premises.
- Page 9 CONFIGURING VEEWS ALERT AND NOTIFICATION SETTINGS Using the information and definitions above, assign each of the following, then click “Save Settings”: Alerts Settings Threshold - adjust only if necessary, exercise extreme discretion Group - should be of an emergency all call type Priority - adjust only if necessary, within existing priority scheme for daily and emergency paging Service Notifications Email - recommend using an email alias for a defined group of recipients...
- Page 10 TESTING VEEWS VEEWS offers two methods of onsite testing as described below. These tests are available for two reasons: 1) Following activation and configuration of the system it is best practice to test that everything on-premise is working properly; and, equally important, 2) Allow for drills to practice proper response to incoming earthquake alert messages in a controlled manner.
- Page 11 ShakeAlert® system to push an event to your specific location and requires advance coordination and scheduling. These should only be conducted under specific circumstances such as troubleshooting your VEEWS set-up. Contact earthquake@valcom.com to determine if this type of test is appropriate to your VEEWS implementation.