Enhancing alert communications systems
Much more could be done to alert citizens about impending dangers or crisis situations that are unfolding. The EU-funded project 'Alert for all' (A4A) aimed to improve crucial communication of information to the population, potentially saving numerous lives in the process. To achieve this, the project addressed the impact of alerts on the population and the role of new media during a crisis. This was done through the research and modelling of human behaviour and investigation of the effect of new media information flows during and after a crisis. Results led to the development of a 'what-if' simulation tool to support decision-making processes in crisis management. Tools were also designed for screening new media. These tools, together with real-time monitoring of new media, are expected to improve the situational awareness of authorities. A portal was set up to enable authorities and responders to exchange information at regional, national and international levels. This information management module also provides access to an alert message dispatcher that was created to deliver alerts and to decision-making features based on the developed tools. After cataloguing existing systems and defining user needs, the team completed the design of the A4A system, which features the information management portal, global alerting gateway and alert simulation module. This flexible, scalable system comes with training materials for authorities and responders. A best practice manual was prepared on the most ideal way to prepare and dispatch alert messages. Project members also developed an institutional framework for establishing a European A4A operating entity, now known as the European Warning and Informing Agency (EWIA). A4A introduced a single solution for Europe's alert and communication challenges during crises. The vision of a pan-European public alerting system is well within reach.
Keywords
Alert, communications, crisis, disaster, crisis management