Copyright: gstockstudio / 123RF Stock Photo
Text messaging has transformed the way that we communicate. Texting has made it much easier to talk in real time when it is not convenient to make a phone call or to send a quick message to a friend when you are on the go. Though this technology has certainly made personal communication more convenient, it has also been vital in improving emergency communications throughout the U.S.

The Text alert has become an effective way for cities and other organizations to get the word out about emergency situations such as natural disasters and other crises. One way that cities use this technology is to issue an AMBER or Silver text alert in order to help recover missing persons.

[Tweet "The Text alert has become an effective way for cities and other organizations to get the word out about emergency situations such as natural disasters and other crises."]

The Power of the Text Alert

Have you ever received an AMBER alert notification on your cell phone? This system of emergency notifications is the result of a partnership between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the wireless association, CTIA. The U.S. Department of Justice announced on January 1, 2013,  that AMBER Alerts would start being sent through the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) program. This allows millions of cell phone users with WEA-enabled phones to automatically receive three types of important alerts: presidential alerts, imminent threat alerts, and AMBER alerts.

Unlike other types of text messages, this text alert technology allows the WEA to send texts to a targeted area in order to alert those who are in the immediate area that is affected. For example, if there were an AMBER alert in a particular city, all people in the area who had a WEA-capable device would receive the notification. When the text alert is sent out, it uses a unique signal and vibration to notify all users, including those with disabilities, about the emergency situation.

Text Alert Success Stories

This mass texting technology has become invaluable for cities to get the word out about missing persons. Whether an AMBER alert for a missing child or a Silver alert for missing seniors, text alerts are one of the most effective and efficient ways to instantly alert the public and spread the word about those who are missing and may be in danger. All over the country, these text alerts have led to the successful recovery of missing persons.

Early 2013 was the first time that this nationwide text alert system was used to lead to the successful recovery of a child. The AMBER alert was sent to Minneapolis, MN residents via the WEA system, and within minutes a local teenager who recognized the description of the vehicle called 911. This lead directly to the safe rescue of the kidnapped 8-month-old child.

A few months later, a teen went missing in Southern California and an AMBER Alert was issued in the area. After individuals who saw the alert on their phones offered tips to the police, the text alert was then expanded to include the rest of California as well as other states. Several days later, the teen was safely rescued about 70 miles northeast of Boise, ID where the abductor had taken the child. This is yet another example of how text alerts can help in emergency situations when time is of the essense.

Using this Powerful Technology for Your Business

How does text alert technology apply to your business? If you are in a field that requires you to issue or navigate crisis communications, such as human resources, public relations, or management, text alerts can help you notify the appropriate parties about the situation instantly. Though your business may not be involved in any crisis situations that require a state or country-wide text alert, you can still use the power of mass messaging to stay in touch with your employees or valued customers during the times when it is most important.

Even if you are not in a field that requires you to deal with emergency situations, you can still use the mass text alert to get the word out about promotions or events. Sending an alert is often more effective than email because it ensures that the consumer is getting your updates in real time, straight to their mobile device.

Trumpia helps brands connect to their target audience through mass messaging and targeted communications. Contact us today for more information about how you can use text alert technology to keep in touch with your customers.

Free Mobile Marketing Success Kit

Get Your Copy Today