Send Alerts to Everyone

Reach People on Many Platforms

Social media sites change.

Sites fail.

Sites get blocked.

You need many platforms.

The Main Rule

Never use just one site.

Alerts on just X/Twitter miss people.

Alerts on just Facebook miss people.

Send alerts to all sites.

Platform Strategy

Use these platforms.

Level 1: Must-Use Platforms

Text Messages (SMS)

Why: Works without internet.

Good things:

Bad things:

How to use:

Example:

LEAVE NOW: Zone A must go. 
Go to Main St School. More: bit.ly/evacZoneA

Email

Why: Everyone has it. Works well.

Good things:

Bad things:

How to use:

Government Website

Why: Your official site.

Good things:

Bad things:

How to use:

Level 2: Big Social Media Sites

X/Twitter

Why: Sends fast. Many people see it.

How to use:

Example:

🚨 LEAVE NOW - ZONE A 🚨

Leave NOW. 

Go to: Main Street School (100 Main St)

Map: [image with alt text]

Questions? Call 555-1234

#CityEmergency #LeaveNow

Facebook

Why: Many people use it. Older people like it.

How to use:

Instagram

Why: Good for photos. Younger people like it.

How to use:

YouTube

Why: Videos teach well.

How to use:

Level 3: New Platforms

Mastodon

Why: Spread out network. Growing fast. Private.

What it is:

How to use:

Example:

EMERGENCY ALERT

Leave order for Zone A.

Leave right away.

Shelter: Main Street School, 100 Main St

More: [government website]

#EmergencyAlert #CityName

Bluesky

Why: Like old Twitter. Growing fast.

What it is:

How to use:

Threads

Why: Part of Instagram. Meta owns it.

What it is:

How to use:

Level 4: Special Use Sites

WhatsApp

Why: Used around the world. Good for groups.

How to use:

Telegram

Why: Private messages. Can send to many.

How to use:

Signal

Why: Very private.

How to use:

Nextdoor

Why: For neighbors only. Very local.

How to use:

Ham Radio

Why: Works when all else fails.

How to use:

Level 5: Old Media (Still Important)

TV

Why: Reaches people without internet.

How to use:

Radio

Why: Works in cars. Works without power.

How to use:

Newspapers

Why: Physical copy. People trust it.

How to use:

Compare All Platforms

Platform Speed Reach Works Well Easy Access
Text (SMS) ⚡️⚡️⚡️ 🌍🌍🌍 ✅✅✅ ♿️♿️♿️
Email ⚡️⚡️ 🌍🌍🌍 ✅✅ ♿️♿️
Website ⚡️⚡️⚡️ 🌍🌍 ✅✅ ♿️♿️♿️
X/Twitter ⚡️⚡️⚡️ 🌍🌍 ✅ ♿️♿️
Facebook ⚡️⚡️ 🌍🌍🌍 ✅ ♿️
Mastodon ⚡️⚡️ 🌍 ✅✅ ♿️♿️
Bluesky ⚡️⚡️ 🌍 ✅ ♿️♿️
Radio ⚡️ 🌍🌍🌍 ✅✅✅ ♿️
TV ⚡️ 🌍🌍 ✅✅ ♿️♿️

⚡️ = Speed (how fast) 🌍 = Reach (how many) ✅ = Works Well ♿️ = Easy Access

Make Posts Easy to Use

Why Easy Access Matters

In emergencies, easy posts save lives.

People with disabilities need the same info at the same time.

If your alert isn’t easy to use, some people can’t get it.

Photo Descriptions Are Critical

What is Alt Text?

Alt text describes photos for blind people.

Screen readers read screens out loud. They read alt text.

Every emergency photo needs alt text.

How to Write Alt Text for Emergencies

Be clear. Tell what to do.

❌ Bad: “Map” ✅ Good: “Map shows Zone A in red. Leave on Highway 1 north. Go to Main St School”

❌ Bad: “Emergency alert” ✅ Good: “Flood warning: Water rising fast. Leave now. Go to high ground”

❌ Bad: “Chart” ✅ Good: “Chart shows air is very bad (250). Stay inside. Close windows”

Alt Text Rules for Emergency Posts

  1. Start with action: Say “Leave now” first
  2. Include key numbers: Address, phone, time
  3. Describe maps: Routes, landmarks, where to go
  4. Keep it short: Use 100-150 words
  5. Don’t say “image of”: Just say what it shows
  6. Include text from photos: Say words from photo

How to Add Alt Text on Each Site

X/Twitter:

Facebook:

Instagram:

Mastodon:

Bluesky:

Make Photos Easy to See

High Contrast Needs

People with low vision must see your posts.

Text on photos:

Color choices:

Font Choices

For emergency pictures:

Captions and Video

Video Needs

All emergency videos must have:

  1. Captions (words on screen):
    • Not translations
    • Show sound: “[siren]”
    • Show who talks
    • Show tone: “[urgent]”
    • Don’t use auto (70% right only)
  2. Audio description (say what you see):
    • Describe what’s on screen
    • Say it between talking
    • Key for exit routes
  3. Transcript (all words typed):
    • Type all words
    • Put in comments
    • Show what time key info is

Add Captions on Each Site

YouTube:

Facebook:

Instagram/TikTok:

Twitter/X:

Tags for Easy Access

How to Write Easy Tags

Use CamelCase (make each word start with big letter):

❌ Bad: #emergencyalert ✅ Good: #EmergencyAlert

❌ Bad: #evacuation zone a ✅ Good: #EvacuationZoneA

Why? Screen readers read CamelCase better.

Limit Tags

  1. Say where link goes:
    • ❌ “Click here”
    • ✅ “Read how to leave”
  2. Shorten long addresses:
    • Use your city name
    • Example: bit.ly/CityEmergency
    • Make it easy to read
    • Test links before emergency
  3. Show full address in print:
    • People may type it
    • Use QR code plus full address
    • QR codes are square codes

Picture Symbols (Emoji)

When to Use Emoji

✅ Good uses:

❌ Bad uses:

Emoji Rules

  1. Use few: 1-2 per post
  2. Use at start: Helps readers skip if needed
  3. Always add words: Never use emoji alone
  4. Use common symbols: Known in all cultures

Simple Words on Social Media

Writing Emergency Social Posts

One idea per sentence.

Short sentences work better.

They’re easy to read fast.

They’re easy to translate.

They’re easy to understand when stressed.

Avoid Hard Words

❌ “Stage 3 protocol started” ✅ “Leave now”

❌ “AQI is too high” ✅ “Air is dangerous. Stay inside.”

❌ “Shelter in place directive” ✅ “Stay home. Lock doors and windows.”

Special Features on Each Site

Mastodon Good Features

  1. Content Warnings:
    • CW means warning
    • Use for hard content
    • Example: “CW: Graphic images”
    • Reader can choose to look
    • Protects from trauma
  2. Alt text rules:
    • Can require alt text on all photos
    • People expect it
    • Site reminds you
  3. Long letter limits:
    • 1,500 letters for alt text
    • Can give more detail
    • Better for complex maps
  4. Time order feed:
    • No hidden sorting
    • Pinned posts stay visible
    • Better for time alerts

Bluesky Good Features

  1. Take account anywhere:
    • Move account to other servers
    • Keep followers if server goes down
  2. Custom feeds:
    • Make “Emergency Alerts” feed
    • Users sign up directly
    • No hidden sorting
  3. Like early Twitter:
    • Users know how to use it
    • Easy switch from X/Twitter

Text Message (SMS) Good Features

  1. Works without internet:
    • Best when systems fail
    • Works on basic phones
    • No app needed
  2. Text only:
    • Already easy to use
    • Screen readers work well
    • No photos to describe
  3. People read texts fast:
    • People read right away
    • 98% open texts
    • Goes right to phone

Test Your Posts

Test with Screen Reader

Test every post with a screen reader (tool that reads screen):

Free screen readers:

What to check:

  1. Alt text makes sense?
  2. Tags sound right?
  3. Link text says where?
  4. Key info at start?

Test with Keyboard Only

Test without a mouse:

  1. Can you tab through parts?
  2. Can you press Enter on links?
  3. Does tab order make sense?
  4. Can you tell what clicks?

Test for Low Vision

Test with tools:

  1. Zoom to 200% - can read?
  2. High contrast - can see?
  3. Color blind test - clear?
  4. Small screen - text big?

Checklist for Emergency Posts

Before posting any alert:

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Photo-Only Info

Problem: Key details only in photo. No alt text.

Solution: Put key info in post AND alt text.

Example: ❌ [Posts map only] ✅ “Map below. Zone A: Take Highway 1 north. Go to Main St School. 100 Main St. [Photo with full alt text]”

Mistake 2: Auto Captions

Problem: Video with wrong auto captions.

Solution: Fix or add good captions.

Example: ❌ Auto: “Leave the bilking now” (meant “building”) ✅ Good: “Leave the building now”

Mistake 3: Confusing Emoji

Problem: Emoji without text.

Solution: Always use emoji with clear text.

Example: ❌ “🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️➡️🏫” ✅ “Leave now 🚨 Go to Main Street School”

Mistake 4: Low Contrast

Problem: Light gray text on white in photo.

Solution: Use high contrast. Test with tools.

Example: ❌ Light gray on white (1.6:1 is bad) ✅ Black on white (21:1 is good)

Problem: “Click here” or raw web address.

Solution: Say where link goes.

Example: ❌ “http://bit.ly/x7k2p9” ✅ “Read details”

Resources for Easy Access

Rules and Guides

Testing Tools

Alt Text Guides

Change Message for Each Site

Text Message Version (160 letters)

LEAVE NOW: Zone A go NOW. 
Go to Main St School, 100 Main St. 
More: bit.ly/evacA

Social Media Version (280 letters)

🚨 LEAVE NOW - ZONE A 🚨

You must leave NOW.

Where: Main Street School
Address: 100 Main Street

Open all day. Free food, water, beds.

Need help? Call 555-1234

Full info: [link]

#EmergencyAlert

Email Version (Long)

Subject: LEAVE NOW - ZONE A

LEAVE NOW

Who: Everyone in Zone A
When: Leave in 2 hours
Where: Main St School, 100 Main St

[Map]

Bring:
- ID
- Medicine
- Phone charger

How to get there:
- Drive: Take Highway 1 north
- No car: Bus at City Hall every 30 min

Questions? 
Call: 555-1234
Text: 555-1235
Email: emergency@city.gov

[Full info]

Tools to Help

Manage Social Media

Send Alerts

Shorten Web Addresses

When to Post

Step 1: First Alert (0-15 minutes)

  1. Text to sign-up list
  2. Post to website home page
  3. Post to X/Twitter (pin it to top)
  4. Post to Facebook (pin it to top)
  5. Emergency TV/radio

Step 2: Send Everywhere (15-60 minutes)

  1. Email to people signed up
  2. Instagram post plus story
  3. Mastodon post
  4. Bluesky post
  5. YouTube video
  6. WhatsApp send
  7. Nextdoor post

Step 3: Keep Updating (Every 2 hours)

  1. Update all sites
  2. Answer questions
  3. Fix wrong info
  4. Share user content (check it first)

Step 4: All Clear (When safe)

  1. Post to all sites
  2. Thank community
  3. Give recovery info
  4. Write what you learned

Test Your Plan

Test Each Month

Test Every 3 Months

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using One Site Only

Using only one site.

Fix: Send to all sites, every time.

Mistake 2: Different Messages

Each site says something different.

Fix: Main message stays same. Format changes.

Mistake 3: Ignoring New Sites

Only using old sites.

Fix: Start using new sites early.

Mistake 4: No Backup

Main site goes down.

Fix: Have backup sites ready.

The Main Point

Social media sites are tools, not answers.

Use many different sites.

Test your systems.

Update your sites.

Reach people where they are.

More Help

Rules and Standards

Site How-To Guides

Testing Tools

**Do This Now:** - Make accounts on Mastodon and Bluesky this week - Test your next post with a screen reader - Add alt text to all photos you have - Train your team on easy access basics