Emergency vs. Comprehensive Notification Systems - Which is Best for Your Municipality?
Notification systems are a great way for municipalities to push out important information directly to residents. Understanding the difference between emergency notification systems and comprehensive notification systems can help you make a better decision on which is best for your municipality.
Emergency notification systems are used to notify people of emergencies – such as weather or natural disasters, road closures, or other safety related events that impact the community. Generally these systems are used for significant emergency events, and not every day communication. As a result, you hope not to have to use your emergency notification system, if at all.
On the other hand, a comprehensive notification system handles a wider variety of information. Although comprehensive notifications can handle emergency alerts, they are also able to handle non-emergency events such as:
- Family friendly events
- Job postings
- Public meetings
- Municipal news
- Committee vacancies and volunteer opportunities
- Garbage delays/recycling schedules
- Recreational programs
- Ordinance changes
- Library and community center events
Comprehensive notification systems tend to be used on a more regular basis, which keeps the lines of communication open between local government and citizens. Savvy Citizen is a comprehensive notification system designed specifically for municipalities and their need to communicate a wide variety of information to residents. In addition, Savvy Citizen offers useful features to municipal clients including website integration and the ability to send messages to a targeted group of residents (targeted notifications).
When choosing a notification system for your municipality, consider the type of information you wish to communicate to residents, and the best value for your money.