The following is another in our series of excerpts from the Galain Solutions, Inc. white paper, “Notification, Alerts, and Warnings: The Next Generation”. (Copy available by sending request to info@galainsolutions.com)

It’s tempting to view notifications/alerts/warnings primarily from a technology perspective, thinking the technology chosen will be the most significant key to success. No doubt technology is important, but other considerations carry as much weight…perhaps even more. One that’s often overlooked is Social Considerations – most importantly, how will people react when they receive critical messages? Will the message encourage them to do what’s necessary, perhaps to protect their lives? (Suggested reading: Communication of Emergency Public Warnings: A Social Science Perspective and State-of-the -Art Assessment; Dennis S. Mileti, John H. Sorenson; August, 1990. Yes, it’s a bit old, but still quite pertinent.)

More at:  http://www.emergencymgmt.com/emergency-blogs/alerts/Social-Considerations-for-Successful.html