Emergency preparedness was the focus of Tuesday’s meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, including approval of an update to the county’s emergency plan and an application to join in an early warning system.

Revisions to the county’s emergency plan will include updates to encompass improved and changing technology. Emergency Services Director Mary Springer noted that the plan was initially approved in November 2010, and technology has changed since that time. As a result, the plan has been updated to include popular methods of distributing information, such as social media.

In addition to incorporating new technology in the emergency plan, the board also unanimously approved an application to work with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to incorporate Navajo County in the agency’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).

Springer noted that the IPAWS system gives county officials another method of alerting residents in the event of a public emergency.

“IPAWS can be used in a similar manner to the Navajo County Reverse 911 system,” according to her memo to the board. “This is another tool for us to use to ensure the maximum ability in notifying our citizens and visitors of emergency situations.”

FEMA notes that IPAWS is “a modernization and integration of the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure.” As in the past, alerts can be broadcast by television and radio, but the modernized system can also send alerts to cell phones, tablets and computers. Traffic lights and road signs can also be fitted to create signals and issue alerts in the event of a public emergency.

As of Dec. 1, the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management were the only agencies in the state with full-fledged IPAWS alerting authority.

In other action Dec. 9, the board:

* Heard a presentation on Arizona Town Hall and economic development.

Government Relations Administrator Hunter Moore participated in the November Arizona Town Hall, which focused on economic development.

* Recognized staff members Dara Davis for 20 years of service, Susan Clark for 13 years of service and Winslow Justice of the Peace Alison Kolomitz for 15 years of service.

There will be no second meeting of the board of supervisors in December due to the Christmas holiday. The next regular board meeting is set for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the county complex in Holbrook