Skip to content
English
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Add IPAWS Keys or Digital Certificates

Certified public safety officials at all levels of government can send IPAWS alerts through Regroup after completing the following steps:

Before you begin

  1. Complete Steps 1–3 of Sign Up to Use IPAWS to Send Public Alerts and Warnings to obtain digital certificates or IPAWS keys from FEMA.

  2. Ensure you have Public Alerting permission from FEMA to send alerts.

Step 1: Receive and Prepare FEMA’s Digital Certificates

FEMA sends the digital certificate in two separate emails:

Email 1 Includes:

  • Signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

  • Alerting Authority Form (detailing your authorized alert types and locations)

  • COG (Collaborative Operating Group) details and training material

  • Password to access the encrypted certificate files

Email 2 Includes:

  • Encrypted ZIP files containing:

    • Digital certificates or IPAWS keys (.JKS files) for Live and Lab/Test environments.

    • A text file (.txt) with Private Key and Keystore Password for each environment.

⚠️ Important: Use the software recommended in FEMA’s instructions to unzip the files. You’ll need both the .jks and .txt files to complete the setup.

Note: Email 2 is frequently blocked by client email servers. The files should also be available to download from within your IPAWS portal.

Note: Adding keys enables message exchange between COGs. To send public alerts, you must also apply for Public Alerting Permissions (Step 4 of FEMA’s process).

Step 2: Upload Keys to Regroup

  1. Navigate to the IPAWS tab.

  2. Click IPAWS Keys in the left-hand menu.

  3. Click +New IPAWS Key (top-right)

On the New IPAWS Key Page:

  1. Key Title: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., “Live Environment” or “Demo/Test”).

  2. Upload .JKS File: Click Choose File and select the unzipped .JKS file from FEMA.

  3. Key Password: Enter the Private Key (from the .txt file).

    • Do not share this sensitive password.

  4. Keystore Password: Enter the Keystore Password (from the .txt file).

    • This accesses the Java Keystore container.

  5. COG ID: Enter the ID provided by FEMA (from Email 1).

  6. Environment: Select Live or Demo/Lab (match FEMA’s specified version).

  7. Time Zone: Select your time zone.

  8. Click Add Key.

Key Reminders

  • Public alerts require FEMA’s approval via the MOA/Alerting Authority Form.

Double-check the environment selection (Live vs. Demo) to avoid errors.