Do you feel naked when you forget your phone?
Currently broadcast warnings come through radio and TV, and this is helpful in case of an emergency, but I believe that we should start including text messages as a modern warning method.
Reasons why broadcast warnings should include text messaging:
- People carry their cell phones with them, usually in their pocket or purse
- 91% of Americans have cell phone
- 5 billion people have cell phones in the world
- 88% of teen cell phone usage is text messaging
- If the power goes out, your cell phone will still have power (if charged)
- More direct information can be shared
- If the warning is of a bomber or terrorist, then the people can get information quietly
Would you want to receive broadcast warnings on your phone?
Photo by: another.point.in.time
January 11th, 2011 at 3:24 am
We use text here already. We’re trying to get the local council and the regional council to get onto using social media.
It makes it to easy. Home on the computer if the weather is bad have a twitter window open. Away with the mobile and check in through the twitter app. In fact it might be the best use there is for twitter. Or bulk emails to anyone on a list and they can forward it to who ever they want.
Good article Andrew.
January 11th, 2011 at 10:33 am
Portland offers social media through Twitter as well and it is a great way to find out information on a larger scale. I’m glad to see other places picking it up as well.