As Hurricane Sandy pounds the eastern seaboard, many organizations are opting to send emergency texts in order to keep citizens out of harm's way.
Sending text messages can be the best method of communication during natural disasters for a number of reasons. First, as this blog has mentioned in the past, texting is an effective way to reach a large number of people in a short amount of time. Text messages can transcend device and carrier because every phone these days contains the SMS application.
Moreover, texting becomes increasingly valuable during events where there is a high likelihood of a power failure. Traditional communication methods – landline phone calls and emails to name a few – are typically reliant on electricity. If the power goes out, connecting via a desktop computer is no longer an option. Even laptops will be of little help if the internet goes out. Phone lines traditionally fail early on in massive storms, making phone calls an imperfect option.
In fact, all forms of voice communication – even calls made via mobile phones – aren't practical if the receiving party is in an emergency situation. However, receiving a text is quick, easy and provides valuable information designed to help people in need.
The Federal Communications Commission is on board with emergency texting and instructs relief organizations to use SMS messaging to reach individuals in danger zones.
"Authorized national, state or local government officials send alerts regarding public safety emergencies, such as a tornado or a terrorist threat to CMAS," the FCC site says.
Disaster crews would be wise to invest in SMS services so they can reach anyone in danger in a short amount of time. Texting during these events can keep people out of harm's way and save lives. Swift SMS Gateway offers the tools any organization needs to launch effective text alert programs.
