EMERGENCY INFORMATION
This is the ultra-low-bandwidth version. Works on 2G, satellite, and congested networks.
What This Is
Emergency readiness guide for government teams, emergency managers, and first responders.
Purpose: Send alerts that reach ALL people, including people with disabilities.
Quick Access
Emergency Templates
Ready-to-use alert templates for:
- Evacuation orders
- Shelter-in-place
- Medical emergencies
- Weather alerts
- All-clear messages
Disability Considerations
Critical accessibility requirements for:
- Vision disabilities
- Hearing disabilities
- Cognitive disabilities
- Mobility disabilities
- Multiple disabilities
Why This Version Exists
During emergencies:
- Cell towers get congested
- Satellite links are slow
- Power is limited
- Batteries run low
- Internet is unstable
This version:
- Total size: ~5KB
- No images
- No JavaScript
- No external fonts
- Works in text browsers
- Prints cleanly
Core Principles
1. Plain Language
Use grade 6 reading level. Short sentences. Active voice.
Bad: “It is recommended that residents evacuate immediately.” Good: “Leave now. Go to [location].”
2. Multi-Channel
Never rely on one channel only:
- Text messages (SMS)
- Radio broadcasts
- TV alerts
- Social media
- Door-to-door
- Phone calls
- Sirens
3. Accessible Format
Every alert needs:
- Large text version
- Easy-to-read version
- ASL video (when possible)
- Audio version
- Multiple languages
4. Test Before Crisis
Test your alerts with:
- People who are blind
- People who are deaf
- People with cognitive disabilities
- People with mobility disabilities
- Non-native speakers
Essential Standards
WCAG 2.2 Level AA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Ensures screen readers work
WSG 1.0 Web Sustainability Guidelines Ensures low bandwidth works
CAN-ASC-6.4 Canadian Accessibility Standard Emergency measures for real crises
Plain Language Grade 6 reading level Everyone understands fast
Emergency Contact Protocol
Before Emergency:
- Identify vulnerable populations
- Create contact lists
- Test all channels
- Train staff
- Practice drills
During Emergency:
- Send first alert (keep it short)
- Repeat on all channels
- Update every 30-60 minutes
- Confirm people received it
- Provide specific actions
After Emergency:
- Send all-clear message
- Provide recovery resources
- Document what worked
- Update procedures
- Retrain staff
Technical Implementation
This crisis mode demonstrates:
- Payload: <5KB total
- First paint: <1 second on 2G
- Dependencies: Zero
- Resilience: Works when infrastructure fails
Built following the 14KB Rule (TCP slow-start threshold).
Get Help
Full Website: https://mgifford.github.io/inclusive-emergency-readiness
GitHub: github.com/mgifford/inclusive-emergency-readiness
Report Issues: Use GitHub Issues
Remember: Information is infrastructure. When networks fail, this version survives.