Wright, K.C.; Leonard, G.S.; Beatson, A.; O'Sullivan, R.; Coomer, M.A.; Morris, B.; Freire, D. 2014 Public alerting options assessment : 2014 update. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science report 2014/66 106 p.
Abstract: An update has been undertaken to develop a 2014 version of an interactive Public Alerting Decision Support Tool and research report. This update, while initiated at the request of Auckland Council, provides an evidence-based, scalable tool able to be applied throughout New Zealand for various communities of interest. This report incorporates much of the background international and national evidence and methodology applied in 2008 to develop the interactive decision support tool. The report also includes updated costs for establishing and maintaining each option. However, there are several important new elements included in this update: • A summary of the current use and potential use of social media and mobile applications (apps) for public alerting purposes; • Several new options for delivering public alerts have been included in the decision support tool; • The criteria for evaluation of each alerting option has been expanded and the range of hazards included in the decision support tool has likewise been expanded; • A glossary has been included to make clear any acronyms and frequently used or ambiguous terms that are critical to the understanding of this report; • The report terminology has been updated to be compatible with key Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management Guidelines and documents, and the contents updated to be consistent with the recently released Sirens Standard. Overall, the evidence with regards to what constitutes best practice public alerting as part of an effective early warning system is consistent with earlier iterations of this report. Best practice public alerts are clear, timely, authenticated, provide a heads-up of an actual or emerging threat, advise what the threat is, advise what, where and when with regards to appropriate response actions, and are delivered through multiple channels. Technologies that previously scored highly for effectiveness continue to rate well. Of the new options assessed, mobile device apps score very highly against the effectiveness criteria. However, mobile app use for mass public alerting might cause issues such as network congestion and delay. The performance of mobile apps for public alerting has not yet been academically or technologically evaluated in New Zealand or internationally. (auth)
