There are a few reasons that really stand out about why an alert originator of public safety communicator could choose to send a "post-alert message" (note: these are traditionally referred by in their jargon terms as an "all clear message"). For example, it can help to reduce calls to 911 to ask about the situation; it can eliminate posts to social media that create additional fears; it can help to off-set the rumoring that begins in the absence of information. But most of all, it CLOSES THE COMMUNICATION LOOP.
A communication loop opens when a notification, alert, or warning is issued to a population, asking them to take an action to protect themselves. The loop remains open as long as message receivers continue to act and to believe that the threat remains active. If an alert says "until further notice", that communication loop remains active and open until that additional notice is issued. If the alert doesn't indicate that additional information is coming, the population that has taken action is left on their own to decipher when the threat is over and when they are able to end their protective actions.
To illustrate this COMMUNICATION LOOP, we selected these two really excellent messages that show how the communication loop opened and then was closed, using clear and complete language for police activity in the town of Rexburg.
The initiating message includes the message source (Rexburg Police) which serves as a reference for which "socials" people should look to for updates.
They state the name of the hazard: an "active Police situation", which is followed by a description of the situation and the location of the event.
This is followed by clear protective actions: lock your doors, remain in your home, avoid windows, and avoid area. It concludes with a way for people to get updates (hint; don't call 911), indicating that the police intend to keep people informed about the situation. The message does not conclude with a note that a follow up message would come, but a post-alert message followed the initial message within an hour or so of the first alert. For keen WEA readers, you will also note that there is no reference to time included in the message - something that could easily be added.
In the post-alert message, we see a reference to the initial WEA (source, hazard, location of event) and provides a clear explanation about how the hazard has been resolved and the actions that people can take now that the event is over.
Note that the sender does not simply say "all clear". Instead, this message includes plain language that reassures the public that the event has been handled and that the public can safely resume normal activities. They also include a note of "thanks."
This is a great example of opening and closing the communication loop, by using clear, plain language to communicate with the public.
Notably, the FEMA IPAWS Message Design Dashboard does not currently contain contents for writing Post Alert messages, but MDD 2.0 will! There is also a Post-Alert Lexicon currently under academic peer review that will provide contents in templated form for 48 hazards that are contained in the MDD.
In the meantime, for recommended contents for 48 other hazards, be sure to download The Warning Lexicon - it's free and offers step-by-step instructions on how to write a better warning message.
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