Emergency Alert Templates
Use these templates for immediate alerts. Adapt to your situation.
1. EVACUATION ORDER
Template A: Immediate Evacuation
EVACUATION ORDER
AREA: [specific streets/neighborhoods]
REASON: [fire/flood/hazmat/etc]
LEAVE: Now
GO TO: [specific address or shelter name]
ROUTE: [specific roads to take]
BRING: ID, medications, phone charger
DO NOT:
- Return home
- Use elevators
- Wait for others
HELP LINE: [phone number]
TTY: [TTY number if available]
Message ID: [unique ID]
Time: [timestamp]
Template B: Phased Evacuation
EVACUATION NOTICE - PHASE [1/2/3]
WHO: [Zone A / People in wheelchairs / etc]
WHEN: Leave by [specific time]
WHERE TO GO: [shelter address]
TRANSPORT: [available/call this number]
IF YOU CANNOT LEAVE:
Call: [emergency number]
Stay on highest floor
Close all doors and windows
NEXT UPDATE: [time]
Message ID: [unique ID]
2. SHELTER-IN-PLACE
Template: Shelter-in-Place
SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER
AREA: [specific area]
REASON: [hazmat/active threat/severe weather]
DURATION: [estimated time]
ACTIONS:
1. Go inside now
2. Close all doors and windows
3. Turn off ventilation/AC
4. Go to interior room
5. Seal gaps with wet towels
IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE:
- Find nearest building
- Enter immediately
- Follow instructions above
DO NOT:
- Leave building
- Open windows
- Use ventilation
INFORMATION: [phone/website]
TTY: [number]
ALL-CLEAR: Listen for "ALL CLEAR" message
Message ID: [unique ID]
Time: [timestamp]
3. MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Template: Disease Outbreak
PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT
WHAT: [disease name]
AREA: [affected area]
RISK: [high/medium/low]
SYMPTOMS:
- [symptom 1]
- [symptom 2]
- [symptom 3]
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS:
1. Stay home
2. Call: [health line number]
3. Do not go to hospital (yet)
4. Isolate from others
PREVENTION:
- [wash hands/wear mask/etc]
- [avoid crowds]
- [stay home if sick]
TESTING: [where and when]
TREATMENT: [where available]
HELP LINE: [number]
TTY: [number]
WEBSITE: [url]
Message ID: [unique ID]
4. WEATHER EMERGENCY
Template: Severe Weather
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
TYPE: [tornado/hurricane/blizzard/etc]
AREA: [specific area]
WHEN: [start time] to [end time]
DANGER: [specific hazards]
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:
1. [specific action]
2. [specific action]
3. [specific action]
SAFE LOCATIONS:
- [location 1]
- [location 2]
- [location 3]
AVOID:
- [hazard 1]
- [hazard 2]
POWER OUTAGE: Possible
ROAD CLOSURES: [list roads]
UPDATES: Every [X] hours
INFORMATION: [phone/radio station]
Message ID: [unique ID]
5. INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE
Template: Water/Power Emergency
[WATER/POWER] EMERGENCY
AREA: [affected area]
PROBLEM: [contamination/outage/etc]
STARTED: [time]
EXPECTED FIX: [time/unknown]
DO NOT:
- [specific prohibition]
SAFE TO:
- [what is still safe]
ALTERNATIVE:
- [where to get water/power/etc]
- [locations open]
- [hours available]
PRIORITY HELP:
People who need power for medical devices:
Call: [emergency number]
UPDATES: [where/when]
HELP LINE: [number]
TTY: [number]
Message ID: [unique ID]
6. ALL-CLEAR MESSAGE
Template: Emergency Ended
ALL CLEAR - EMERGENCY ENDED
WHAT: [type of emergency]
STATUS: Safe to return/resume normal activities
TIME: [current time]
YOU CAN NOW:
- Return home
- Leave shelter
- Resume normal activities
- Open windows (if shelter-in-place)
REMAINING HAZARDS:
- [list any]
- [continuing restrictions]
RECOVERY RESOURCES:
- [where to get help]
- [damage reporting]
- [financial assistance]
DAMAGED AREAS: [list]
ROAD CLOSURES: [list]
HELP LINE: [number]
TTY: [number]
NEXT UPDATE: [when/if needed]
Message ID: [unique ID]
Essential Checklist
Every alert must include:
- Specific action (what to do)
- Specific location (where)
- Specific time (when)
- Reason (why)
- Contact information (help line)
- TTY number (for deaf/hard of hearing)
- Message ID (for tracking)
- Timestamp
- Simple language (grade 6 level)
- NO jargon or acronyms
Accessibility Requirements
For Screen Readers
- Use plain text (no images of text)
- Use headings properly
- Spell out numbers and abbreviations
For Cognitive Disabilities
- One idea per sentence
- Active voice only
- Bullet points for lists
- No complex words
For Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- Include TTY numbers
- Provide text versions of all audio
- Use visual indicators
For Blind/Low Vision
- High contrast text
- Large text available
- Screen reader compatible
For Multiple Languages
- Translate ALL alerts
- Use simple translation
- Test with native speakers
Distribution Channels
Send every alert via:
- SMS/text message
- Website
- Social media
- Local radio
- Local TV
- Phone calls (automated)
- Door-to-door (when safe)
- Community leaders
- Emergency services
Remember: Simple, specific, repeated. Lives depend on clarity.