HomeMy WebLinkAbout6. Communications Outreach and Alerts in Preparation for Future EmergenciesEmergency Preparedness and
Notifications
April 6, 2021
Maribel Martinez, FWFD Office of Emergency Management
Michelle Gutt, Communications & Public Engagement
Fort Worth Texas Alerts is the current emergency alert system designed to keep the residents and visitors of Fort Worth informed during any potential hazards.
It is an opt-in system that requires registration by residents. We currently have 9,276 subscribers.
It uses the Code Red system and replaces Nixle, our previous alert system.
Why we switched to the Code Red
system:
•Alerts are sent out quickly with little delay.
•Subscribers can control how they receive alerts
–voice, text or email.
•Preferences can be updated at any time.
•More targeted messaging –smaller geographic
areas.
•Can integrate with IPAWS.
Alerts can be sent out citywide or to specific geographic areas.
They can be sent as text messages, emails and also used for
robocalls.
The system is designed to alert residents to potential hazards:
•Severe weather
•Acts of terrorism
•Chemical spills
•Service impacts like boil notices or road closures
The system can also be used for public safety messaging.
Ways we have used the alert system:
•Weekly testing of sirens
•West Nile virus
•Stay at Home, Work Safe –COVID messages
•Hard Freeze Warning
•Electronic messages during storm
•Boil water notice
Ways we have promoted the new system:
City News –September 2020
Neighborhoods and Faith-based –September 2020
Nextdoor and Social Media –September 2020
Instagram February 2020
Round Up Feb 2021
City News Feb 2021
Neighborhoods and Faith-based –February 2021
Instagram Marketing -February 2021
Trinity Metro Bus Ads –February 2021
Nextdoor and social media –March 2021
Future outreach efforts:
•Inserts in Tarrant Area Food Bank boxes.
•Signage at community centers, libraries and other city facilities.
•Bill inserts in water bill.
•Workshops for emergency preparedness for neighborhoods, schools and
organizations.
•Map the current subscribers and do a push in neighborhoods with low
response rates.
To register, visit
www.fortworthtexasalerts.gov