Method and apparatus for activating warning devices

A computer-implemented method of activating a warning device, comprising the steps of:

• (1) displaying on a computer display device hazardous event information for a particular geographic region and displaying on the same display device information representing the geographic location of a plurality of warning devices;
• (2) selecting one or more of the plurality of warning devices displayed on the computer display device;
• and
• (3) remotely activating the one or more warning devices selected in step (2).

A computer-implemented method of activating a warning device, comprising the steps of:

• (1) at a central location that generates predictions corresponding to hazardous conditions, detecting that a hazardous event is likely to strike a given geographic location;
• (2) at the central location, using a computer to compare the location of the hazardous event to a plurality of geographically dispersed warning devices located in a geographic region different from the central location and selecting one or more of the geographically dispersed warning devices in response to the comparison;
• and
• (3) remotely activating the selected one or more geographically dispersed warning devices,
• wherein step (2) comprises the step of using a computer input device to manually encircle a group of warning devices displayed on a computer display.

A computer-implemented method of activating a warning device, comprising the steps of:

• (1) at a central location that generates predictions corresponding to hazardous conditions, detecting that a hazardous event is likely to strike a given geographic location;
• (2) at the central location, using a computer to compare the location of the hazardous event to a plurality of geographically dispersed warning devices located in a geographic region different from the central location and selecting one or more of the geographically dispersed warning devices in response to the comparison;
• (3) remotely activating the selected one or more geographically dispersed warning devices;
• and
• (4) receiving confirmation from each activated warning device and, in response thereto, updating a computer display.

A computer-implemented method for notifying a remote device, comprising the steps of:

• (1) at a central location, receiving hazardous condition information for a particular geographic region,
• (2) selecting one or more of a plurality of remote devices that are predicted to be affected by a hazardous event corresponding to the hazardous condition information;
• and
• (3) sending alert information to the remote devices selected in step (2),
• wherein step (2) comprises using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of remote devices displayed on a display device.

A computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions that, when executed, cause a system comprised of at least one computer to perform a method for notifying a remote device, comprising the steps of:

• (1) at a central location, receiving hazardous condition information for a particular geographic region,
• (2) selecting one or more of a plurality of remote devices that are predicted to be affected by a hazardous event corresponding to the hazardous condition information;
• and
• (3) sending alert information to the remote devices selected in step (2),
• wherein step (2) comprises using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of remote devices displayed on a display device.

A data processing system comprising a processor and memory storing computer readable instructions that, when executed, cause the system to perform a method for notifying a remote device, comprising the steps of:

• (1) receiving hazardous condition information for a particular geographic region,
• (2) selecting one or more of a plurality of remote devices that are predicted to be affected by a hazardous event corresponding to the hazardous condition information;
• and
• (3) sending alert information to the remote devices selected in step (2),
• wherein step (2) comprises using a computer input device to encircle a plurality of remote devices displayed on a display device.