Thirty-nine people were killed when severe tornadoes swept through ten US states in early March but, according to reports, the death toll would have been a great deal higher if a complete early warning package - including SMS text alerts - had not been in place.
“Everyone knew that this tornado was coming and that it would be on the ground a long time,” tornado victim Roger Jones, 60, from Kentucky, told USA Today. “They were absolutely right on."
Local authorities and public sector bodies have been using text messaging as part of their emergency alert systems for some time now.
In the US, many local counties broadcast tornado text alerts to subscribers as soon as the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning. The same systems are used to disseminate other emergency messages relating to the health, safety or welfare of local communities.
In Australia, federal governments use SMS alerts to broadcast bushfire, flood and even tsunami warnings to the public, while in Canada text alerts are part of the Ontario government's Emergency Public Warning System. This sends 'Red Alerts' to subscribers when a serious incident has occurred, such as a large fire or explosion; chemical leak or spill; nuclear emergency or extreme weather event.
Similar systems are in operation in the UK, but our public sector agencies are also finding more mundane, but practical uses for bulk SMS messaging. Examples include:
“Everyone knew that this tornado was coming and that it would be on the ground a long time,” tornado victim Roger Jones, 60, from Kentucky, told USA Today. “They were absolutely right on."
Local authorities and public sector bodies have been using text messaging as part of their emergency alert systems for some time now.
In the US, many local counties broadcast tornado text alerts to subscribers as soon as the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning. The same systems are used to disseminate other emergency messages relating to the health, safety or welfare of local communities.
In Australia, federal governments use SMS alerts to broadcast bushfire, flood and even tsunami warnings to the public, while in Canada text alerts are part of the Ontario government's Emergency Public Warning System. This sends 'Red Alerts' to subscribers when a serious incident has occurred, such as a large fire or explosion; chemical leak or spill; nuclear emergency or extreme weather event.
Similar systems are in operation in the UK, but our public sector agencies are also finding more mundane, but practical uses for bulk SMS messaging. Examples include:
- Advising of changes to refuse collection during holidays or bad weather
- Warning of the unexpected closure of community facilities, such as libraries or leisure centres
- Hospital appointment reminders
- Court appearance reminders to witnesses
- Missing dog alerts to dog walkers
- Rental balance reminders for tenants
HSL supports a range of clients who use text messaging to communicate emergency alerts. For example, Newmont Mining Corporation in Indonesia, one of the world’s largest gold producers helps to protect its workforce of 7000 people and neighbouring communities through a Tsunami and tropical cyclone text alert warning system delivered by HSL. More information on how this works can be found at http://www.hslsms.com/about/clients/case-study-newmont/.
Dartmoor Search and Rescue Service has worked with HSL for the last five years using text messaging for emergency call outs for their team. This is also used as a two way communication system, as team members can confirm their attendance with a text reply. You can read about how Dartmoor’s Search and Rescue team works with HSL to protect visitors who get into difficulty here: http://hslsms.com/about/clients/case-study-dartmoor-search-and-rescue/.
You will find information on our mobile messaging solutions for the public sector on our website at http://www.hslsms.com/sectors/public-sector/.
Alternatively, visit us at:
http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd
follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS
or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260
or email us at sales@haysystems.com
Dartmoor Search and Rescue Service has worked with HSL for the last five years using text messaging for emergency call outs for their team. This is also used as a two way communication system, as team members can confirm their attendance with a text reply. You can read about how Dartmoor’s Search and Rescue team works with HSL to protect visitors who get into difficulty here: http://hslsms.com/about/clients/case-study-dartmoor-search-and-rescue/.
You will find information on our mobile messaging solutions for the public sector on our website at http://www.hslsms.com/sectors/public-sector/.
Alternatively, visit us at:
http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd
follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS
or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260
or email us at sales@haysystems.com
