SMS is not only useful for marketing purposes; it can also be used in emergency situations. Alerting customers and communicating with emergency medical personnel are just two of the many ways you can use text messages to spread the word and stay in contact during an emergency situation.

Alerting Customers

For businesses including electric companies, heating and cooling, manufacturing and other businesses, alerting customers of issues and problems with products and services can help save money and save lives.

Sending SMS text messages allows businesses to alert customers in the event of:

  • Power outages
  • Cable or Internet outages
  • Road closings
  • Product malfunction/recall
  • Dangerous weather conditions

Customers can know instantly what is going on and take the proper precautions to avoid any danger.

Employees

Send text messages to employees in the event of an emergency. Text messages can be useful in getting people out of a building or to tell employees not to come to work until the situation is under control.

Schools

If an emergency occurs at a school or university, parents and other emergency contacts may be sent SMS notifications quickly and easily. This works well in any emergency situation where students need to be picked up by parents or when students need to remain where they are to avoid danger.

Emergency Personnel

Mass text messages can be sent to emergency personnel so they can respond to a location and bring help faster. Using text messages, you can:

  • Contact the proper personnel trained to help in specific emergency situations
  • Direct emergency vehicles to avoid heavy traffic areas
  • Alert personnel of equipment needed
  • Ask for additional support
  • Contact those who are on stand-by to help
  • Report any other important information quickly

In a natural disaster, landlines and cell phones may not be operational. In many cases, text messaging capabilities may still work so you can get help to where it is needed most.

Keeping the Public Aware

Letting people know what’s going on can help reduce confusion and tension. To better communicate with customers, parents, emergency personnel, organisation members and employees, keep a list of all phone numbers and other contact information in a place where you can easily access it. Keep your message brief, but provide essential details such as locations, pick-up details if contacting parents and other vital information.