SMS is a communication method that is often overlooked. Typically, texts are brief, informal, and singular. That does not, however, imply that it is any less useful in emergency situations.
Time is rarely on our side in an emergency. Natural disasters, severe local weather, shootings, threats from the military, or chemical spills are all examples. The current COVID-19 outbreak has grown rapidly after the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020.
The speed at which people respond in these urgent circumstances can be influenced by direct communication. The globe has been able to react to the epidemic more quickly than ever before because to accurate information and guidance that has been made available to the public.
Crucial communication in the event of a pandemic
There is no denying that there is a certain amount of ambiguity. Researchers and medical professionals are having difficulty predicting what COVID-19’s future holds. But in the battle against the new coronavirus, trustworthy direct communication has worked well.
South Korea quickly flattened the COVID-19 case curve by having access to mass testing and secure mass communication. The government was in contact with the public through automated text messages, online updates, and daily press conferences. They informed the public about the recent routes taken by newly diagnosed patients. This enables people to assess if they may have been in danger and take preventative action.
How do you get ready?
When it comes to health and safety, the best course of action is undoubtedly to eliminate, prevent, and minimize potential hazards. Unfortunately, infections propagate, people make mistakes, and systems malfunction no matter how hard we try to stop or limit certain events.
People and businesses all across the world are going online, and not only because it’s trendy or because technology is efficient. However, because minimizing exposure and lowering the risk of virus transmission are essential during a pandemic. In order to lower the chance of infecting those who are most susceptible to the novel coronavirus, several precautionary actions are essential.
People and businesses all across the world are going online, and not only because it’s trendy or because technology is efficient. However, because minimizing exposure and lowering the risk of virus transmission are essential during a pandemic. In order to reduce the likelihood of infection among those most susceptible to the new coronavirus, several precautionary actions are essential.
When trying to minimize any crises and emergencies, communication should come first before implementation. Having access to trustworthy, accurate information and guidance could save lives. All parties may educate themselves and respond appropriately to dangerous situations when there is direct communication.
Choose to
You can stay up to speed with COVID-19 news and developments by choosing to receive notifications from local, national, and international government bodies and health services.
An SMS gateway is a convenient way for recipients to receive brief and efficient text messages and offers useful A2P communications. Application-to-person, or mass, communications is referred to as A2P. It is a useful way to quickly convey a short message to a large audience, particularly while engaging in social distancing.
In an emergency, how might SMS be helpful?
Text messaging may be effectively and dynamically incorporated into current communication techniques. SMS can serve as a two-way texting service for support channels, a bulk messaging service for notifications, or a tool to connect people when they are isolating themselves.
Alert
A2P messaging over an SMS gateway that allows users to reach dozens, hundreds, thousands, or even millions of contacts is known as bulk SMS. In times of crisis, authorities can reach the public using the same technology that companies use to send opt-in marketing communications.
A mass text message campaign could save lives during local, state, national, or worldwide calamities. These communications, whether they are warnings, access to aid, or important information presented, have a significant effect. In the event of an emergency, governments may, depending on the nation, send out bulk SMS notifications. These announcements may include warnings of a possible mass shooting, an amber alert for child abduction, or updates on extreme weather conditions.
The prohibition on sending bulk automated calls and texts was recently removed in the USA by the TCPA, but only for “emergency purposes.” The FCC states that only hospitals, healthcare professionals, state or local health officials, or other government officials may use automated calls and text messages to disseminate critical health information about COVID-19.
Make contact
Right now, reach out to people in need, your loved ones, and your coworkers. Even if you are unable to attend in person, you may still make a significant (literal) impact by sending a message of gratitude, celebration, and hope.
Mental health is already negatively impacted by social alienation and self-isolation. But a sense of powerlessness has also accompanied the destruction caused by COVID-19. Digital communication has emerged as a lifesaver for people who are disconnected. People can interact in real time through direct mobile messaging with SMS and over-the-top (OTT) messaging services like WhatsApp.
While isolated, there are numerous ways to maintain connections. including engaging online activities that allow you to interact with others, such as Netflix Party, exploring a virtual museum gallery, and entertaining video chat choices like Houseparty.
Encouragement
Businesses that need to stay open to the public during COVID-19 are referred to as essential services. These services, however, could vary depending on the location. As a result, particular safety precautions, including social separation, travel restrictions, and closures, have been implemented to reduce the possibility of the new coronavirus spreading.
Without a doubt, many organizations have gone online to continue operating since self-isolation and quarantine have become commonplace. While some companies can continue as is, others must adapt to allow for working from home (WFH). Others, however, have been forced to shut down until it is safe to resume operations.
Even though businesses have had the processing capacity and technology to go online for decades, this global pandemic provided the catalyst for change. In many industries, the kinks have been worked out and a new “business as usual” has been implemented. include support services like telemedicine.
It’s critical to have access to healthcare throughout this period. Telemedicine has helped ease some of the strain on the healthcare system, even though hospitals and medical institutions are primarily focused on providing care for people who are most in need. Telehealth lowers the chance of contracting the virus by using video conferencing and phone consultations for medical appointments. Additionally, it enables healthcare providers to treat patients who do not require in-person consultations.
People can get immediate answers to their questions with online support services like chatbots, instant live chat help, and two-way SMS responses. Direct messaging allows those who need help to communicate with someone, reducing the need for phone calls and wait times.
Examples of emergency SMS use cases
Making emergency services accessible
SMS is life-saving for people who are hard of hearing or deaf. By giving people with hearing or speech impairments immediate text message access to first responders, emergency services can be contacted directly.
When ACCAN chief executive Teresa Corbin unveiled the service in Australia in 2013, she commented, “Very few people can imagine how terrifying it would be in an emergency situation to not know if the person answering your Triple 0 call can understand you, or whether help is on the way.”
People with disabilities may now contact with emergency services when they need them most thanks to the introduction of web-captioned telephone and video communication alternatives in addition to SMS.
In Haiti, survivors of natural disasters use EIS
During the terrible 2010 Haitian earthquake, the first Emergency Information Service (EIS) was established. To help lessen the effects of the natural disaster, the program offered Haitians free, useful SMS messages.
Thousands of individuals used the program to report food problems, shelter challenges, and missing persons within 48 hours of its launch. Using SMS, EIS helped with search and rescue efforts and guided injured Haitians to hospitals that were still able to provide medical care.
The EIS was used to disseminate information on how to lower the risk of sickness, find missing family members, and safeguard youngsters even after the search and rescue phase was over.
SMS-based emergency outreach
The 3.5 billion smartphone users worldwide rely heavily on mobile texting for communication. When other channels are unable to reach receivers with limited coverage or data access, SMS can.
Time is of the essence in an emergency. What makes SMS one of the most reliable communication methods is its quickness.