Alert Broadcast During Disaster: Definition, Importance, and How to Educate Communities

A disaster may come unexpectedly, such as earthquakes, landslides, and wildfires. Both natural and man-made disasters are hazardous and threaten the lives of many. Therefore, the government should be concerned about the existence of an alert broadcast as a mitigation plan. 

In many developed countries, this system is already known to the communities. People get education and awareness about it so that they understand what they should do after getting an alert. It encourages other local governments to follow. Understand further about the system here.

The Definition of Alert Broadcast

The system sent an alert in the form of text message. The audience who receives the alert is the people who are potentially affected because of the upcoming hazards, such as disasters or public threats. The alert is a sign of critical situation and deliver message for people to be careful and other updates.

A broadcast can be delivered through other channels as well, such as social media, TV, radio, and public sirens. The more dangerous the situation, the more alerts to deliver. People who receive the message should be alerted and follow all instructions in the message for their safety.

The Importance of An Alert Broadcast

Rapid Communication System

A disaster usually comes very quickly. The critical time for people to save themselves is very short. This is why the system needs a rapid communication like an alert broadcast tool to make people stay away and find a better place. With a large population, broadcasters can send message in a real time.

Minimizing Chaos

Chaos among people is possible because of panic. Sometimes, people do not know what to do during that critical situation. So, the existence of a broadcast tool can help them understand the situation. They may stay away and seek help as soon as possible.

Containing Instructions

Through the text message, the local authorities can deliver some instructions for the people. This helps people to avoid any confusion during that short time. The instructions should be brief and clear, so people can read the information fast as preparing what they need for evacuation.

Reaching Many People

Since the effect of a disaster can be hazardous for a large community, the tool will work to reach them in a short time. With the current technology, people can get the alert message fast without depending on the provider and signal. As long as their phone is on, they will receive the alert.

Helping Coordination

The local authorities can deliver the message with instructions for people to coordinate. It helps the rescue team during the emergency. This includes letting them know about evacuation route, clearing roads, and telling them to follow up recent updates through alert broadcast.

How to Educate the Public About Alert Broadcast

Training and Workshops for Communities

People have the right to get a proper education through training and workshops about the alerts during emergency. The local authorities can create partnerships with NGOs and different agencies that are related to the events. It should be free sessions to encourage people to understand.

Direct Campaigns

The campaigns will help people pay attention to the latest system, including the EWS. They can get information from different channels, such as social media, TV, and other platforms that can reach them easily. Posters and flyers may be better in different regions.

Schools and Communities Programs

Students and all vulnerable people should understand about alert message as well. They need proper education through some programs, so it can be integrated with the lessons at school. Meanwhile, for the communities, an annual session to raise awareness can be a good solution.

Tutorials

People may understand better through tutorials. So, the local authorities need to include this in the campaign. The language provided may be a challenge, but it can be delivered using a local language and English, since they are accessible to many.

Public Simulation

The simulation is held by many countries on a specific date. It can raise awareness among the public in general. This is a real experience for people who receive the alert. The content in the message could be educational text and some explanation about mitigation.

Since the importance of the alert broadcast is high, the local authorities should provide this system. A disaster-prone country has a responsibility to announce critical situations to the communities by using an SMS broadcaster as the device. Find out more about this tool for the emergency system here.