The Types and Improvement of Emergency Alert System Philippines

The Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines that attacked some areas in 2013 was deeply traumatizing. There was no emergency alert system Philippines back then, which triggered the government to improve this system in 2015. Therefore, any kind of threat can have an announcement before they arrive.

What is the Emergency Alert System Philippines?

This system is under the National Disaster Risk Management Council in the Philippines. The main function is to provide information about upcoming disasters in the country. The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world, so this system helps the people to act fast when the threats are around.

The emergency alert system Philippines will send an alert through cell broadcast. The cell phones of vulnerable communities receive the alerts with some short information, including some commands. It can reduce panic, yet it becomes a great task for the nation to educate  the people to understand the importance.

The Types of The Philippines’ Emergency Alert System

Cell Broadcast Alerts

This is the most modern method that the Philippines government provides. The system sends important warning alerts through users’ cellphones about the recent event. This is the most efficient way and can reach a broader audience since most people use cellphones for their daily activities. The development of this system started in 2013.

This message is free to receive. People do not have to spend any dollars to get real-time information. Thus, the message will automatically pop up on the phone screen without going to the message menu. It takes users' attention easily and efficiently. This is the most reliable method in the Philippines.

Broadcast Media Platform

The government of the Philippines still considers the conventional way to inform people who live in the remote areas. Since they probably still haven’t used the modern cell phone yet, broadcast media platforms still give information about emergencies. Some people in the country still rely on radio and TV.

When it is needed, as the typhoon and storm can affect many people throughout the country, the information reaches many people through TV and radio channels. The program they enjoy will stop for a while because the emergency alert system Philippines is working to provide emergency warning.

Sirens and Bells

These methods are still in usage in the Philippines, especially for rural areas. Sirens are installed in the coastal areas and inform them that a tsunami after a big earthquake will arrive soon. It is also a sign for communities at the coast to move as far as possible and follow the routes that they have known.

Bells are also familiar in the Philippines to take people’s attention. Usually, someone will go to the church to ring the bell. After that, there’s information following through the speakers, so people know what is happening and what to do with the upcoming events in their area. Though it’s conventional, it helps a lot.

Social Media Posts

Social media accounts from the officials will post the information in visualization and text such as infographics to announce the warning. Usually, this post announces an emergency that may happen but it’s not coming in a few minutes. The examples are weather disturbance, storms, and heavy rain.

The Improvement of Emergency Alert System in the Philippines

Upgrading Technology

The government focuses on upgrading technology for emergency warning systems. Delays and information appearance are the priorities to ensure the warning system can be understood easily. By upgrading the system, people receive real-time information which can minimize the risk and number of casualties.

Better Accessibility

Access also needs improvement. People with special needs have some limitations to access the information. The government is upgrading it to be more inclusive, such as information with the voice and infographics. The language is also not only in English but also local languages in the country.

Better Integration

The emergency warning system cannot work alone. With a better integration, both modern and conventional platforms can integrate to ensure wider audiences receive the same information. It can minimize the death tolls when the threats or disaster are severe.

The emergency alert system Philippines is already reliable. However, improvement is still required to inform vulnerable people in a real-time manner. Using an SMS broadcaster device may help the authorities to send the warning messages. Find out more about this tool here.