WEA issued on 6/20/23
We like to call attention to the GOOD alerts when we see them. In this case, the message is nearly complete (it is missing time -when the message was issued/when to take action/when it expires), but it hits all of the other requirements that have been identified for a complete and well written message. Let's take a look... Source - the source is listed up front as SD Sheriff. SD could be spelled out for those those don't know the acronym. Hazard - this message tells the receiver what the hazard is (brushfire) in the first sentence. What makes the Warn Room so happy with this message is that it includes the hazard name in addition to the words "mandatory evacuation" for a wildfire. We see an awful lot of messages that let the word "evacuation" serve as the hazard. Forthcoming research from University at Albany will explain why this practice of not naming the hazard is bad for the message receiver but also for the reputation of the organization. Location - the location of the fire and location of evacuation points are both included. Guidance - here, the message lets "mandatory evacuation" communicate a lot of information. They could include content about what evacuees should take with them and when they need to leave, but additional information in the form of a web address can fill that gap. Additional information - the message writer provides a phone number (to call for help) and a web address for more information. By directing the message receiver to authoritative and helpful resources, confidence and trust will be improved and maintained in an uncertain situation.
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