# Best Emergency Notification Software - Page 5 *By [Nana Serwah Nkrahene](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/nana-nkrahene)* Emergency notification software is part of broader risk management, company-wide communication and emergency planning strategies, to improve communication, workflow, and service before, during, and after an emergency. The software can be deployed within a company to prepare for any event or emergency that may halt business operations or within organizations as a public service messaging system. The software automates necessary actions like sending out mass notifications, sharing information, and mobilizing teams to prevent operational disruptions and quicken emergency response. Emergency notification systems are personalized to the requirements and needs of whatever organization implements the software. Emergency notification software can integrate with or feature GIS to create maps and documents as visual aids during crises. To qualify for inclusion in the Emergency Notification category, a product must: - Push out mass notifications to multiple devices in multiple locations - Allow two-way messaging - Encrypt sensitive information - Organize contacts into different groups ## Category Overview **Total Products under this Category:** 126 ## Trust & Credibility Stats **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 5,000+ Authentic Reviews - 126+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Best Emergency Notification Software At A Glance - **Leader:** [Everbridge 360 (Critical Event Management)](https://www.g2.com/products/everbridge-360-critical-event-management/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [LumApps](https://www.g2.com/products/lumapps/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [AlertMedia](https://www.g2.com/products/alertmedia/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Everbridge 360 (Critical Event Management)](https://www.g2.com/products/everbridge-360-critical-event-management/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [DialMyCalls](https://www.g2.com/products/dialmycalls/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### RedFlag RedFlag is a comprehensive communication solution designed to facilitate emergency and proactive notifications for organizations of all sizes. This platform enables users to deliver critical messages in real time across various channels, including text messages, emails, voice calls, push app notifications, desktop alerts, and Microsoft Teams. By ensuring that important information reaches the right individuals promptly, RedFlag enhances organizational communication and preparedness. The target audience for RedFlag includes small businesses, large enterprises, and any organization that requires reliable communication during emergencies or routine operations. This solution is particularly beneficial for sectors such as healthcare, education, corporate environments, and public safety, where timely information dissemination can significantly impact outcomes. RedFlag is designed to address specific use cases, such as alerting employees about emergencies, coordinating responses during critical incidents, or communicating important updates during routine operations. Key features of RedFlag include multi-channel notifications, which allow users to send alerts through various platforms, ensuring that messages are received regardless of the recipient's location. The real-time alert functionality enables organizations to disseminate critical information with just one click, streamlining communication processes during emergencies. Additionally, the user-friendly interface allows for easy setup and management of notifications, minimizing the need for extensive training. Scalability is another significant advantage, as RedFlag can be customized to suit the needs of both small and large organizations, adapting as they grow. Moreover, RedFlag supports data-informed decision-making by providing real-time visibility into ongoing events. This feature allows organizations to access valuable data that can help coordinate resources effectively and make informed decisions during critical situations. By enhancing safety, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining continuity, RedFlag fosters a culture of preparedness and responsiveness, ultimately reducing the impact of unforeseen events. In essence, RedFlag serves as an all-in-one solution for organizations looking to optimize their communication strategies. With a starting price of $250 per month, it offers a cost-effective and scalable option for enhancing communication capabilities, safeguarding teams, and improving response strategies. By prioritizing timely and effective communication, RedFlag empowers organizations to navigate emergencies and routine operations with confidence. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=paid_promo&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=258&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=72424&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=258&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Femergency-notification%3Fpage%3D5&secure%5Btoken%5D=7f89a6d860b61c0bb9ee88e8e6fcd9d134fbfc5cedd11244a6f03db4aea95303&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fpocketstop.com%2Fproducts%2Fredflag%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=paid_promos&secure%5Bvisitor_segment%5D=180) --- ## Top-Rated Products (Ranked by G2 Score) ### 1. [Rave Alert](https://www.g2.com/products/erms-emergency-response-management-services-corporation-rave-alert/reviews) EMNS is an emergency communication software that helps user prepare, communicate, poll, track, collaborate, and report to support large scale incident crisis communications. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Rave](https://www.g2.com/sellers/rave) - **Year Founded:** 2004 - **HQ Location:** Framingham, Massachusetts, United States - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/rave-mobile-safety (137 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 2. [Rave Guardian](https://www.g2.com/products/rave-guardian/reviews) A branded mobile safety app that connects people directly to an organization or universities security resources with location data, two-way chat, anonymous tips submission, dynamic polling, and an automatic safety timer. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Rave Mobile Safety](https://www.g2.com/sellers/rave-mobile-safety) - **Year Founded:** 2004 - **HQ Location:** Framingham, MA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/165665/ (97 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 3. [RAYVN](https://www.g2.com/products/rayvn/reviews) RAYVN delivers an easy-to-use solution to help organizations manage critical events effectively and boost their emergency preparedness. Our mission is to empower and enable every person and organization, trained or untrained, to handle critical events effectively and with confidence! RAYVN aspires to build the best and the most user-friendly tool for companies across the globe and to be the market leader in the crisis management space. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [RAYVN](https://www.g2.com/sellers/rayvn) - **Year Founded:** 2017 - **HQ Location:** Bergen, NO - **Twitter:** @rayvnglobal (99 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/rayvn-critial-event-management/ (36 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise ### 4. [ReadyOp](https://www.g2.com/products/readyop/reviews) ReadyOp is a web based emergency management, command and control application designed to handle the fast-paced, demanding communications challenges of Incident Command Response, or daily exercise and response activities with ease and efficiency. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Collabria](https://www.g2.com/sellers/collabria) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 5. [RedSky Technologies, An Everbridge Company](https://www.g2.com/products/redsky-technologies-an-everbridge-company/reviews) RedSky Technologies empowers modern organizations to safeguard employees, enhance efficiency, and ensure compliance through innovative emergency communication solutions. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 9.3/10) - **Quality of Support:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Everbridge](https://www.g2.com/sellers/everbridge) - **Year Founded:** 2002 - **HQ Location:** Vienna, VA - **Twitter:** @Everbridge (4,772 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/33883 (1,580 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Phone:** +1.888.366.4911 **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 100% Mid-Market ### 6. [resilienceOS](https://www.g2.com/products/resilienceos/reviews) Restrata provides an integrated platform for operational resilience and holistic people safety, resilienceOS, that unifies data from people, sites, and independent risk data providers to deliver real-time intelligence across global operations in one picture. Trusted by enterprises in 50+ countries, resilienceOS helps organisations anticipate, respond to, and recover from disruptions fast. Whether managing travel risk, lone workers, or full-scale crisis events, Restrata empowers companies to protect all their people, assets, operations, and reputation - all the time. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Restrata](https://www.g2.com/sellers/restrata) - **Year Founded:** 2019 - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/restrata (136 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 7. [RIMS paging](https://www.g2.com/products/rims-paging/reviews) RIMS paging interface notifies or calls out personnel in certain circumstances if your fire or police department needs to.Paging automatically sents based on an Incident type created in dispatch or a manual page may be sent. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Sun Ridge Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sun-ridge-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** El Dorado Hills, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6238916 (22 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 8. [safeREACH](https://www.g2.com/products/safereach-gmbh-safereach/reviews) safeREACH is an emergency notification and crisis management software solution that helps organizations alert people quickly, distribute information in a structured way, and coordinate response processes during critical situations. The product is used in emergencies, incidents, disruptions, and other operational or crisis scenarios where timely communication and clear responsibilities are important. safeREACH supports organizations that need to reach the right people at the right time and manage communication across teams, departments, and roles. In addition to sending alerts, the software helps users organize follow-up communication, monitor responses, and maintain visibility throughout an ongoing situation. This makes it relevant not only for the initial notification phase, but also for the communication and coordination tasks that follow. The product includes multiple interfaces designed for different user groups and use cases. The mobile app allows users to receive alerts and react while away from their desks. The desktop app provides another interface for receiving notifications and, depending on setup, triggering alerts directly from the workstation. The cockpit serves as a central operational interface for monitoring incidents, tracking responses, and maintaining situational awareness. The admin interface is used to manage users, groups, permissions, scenarios, and alerting structures. Organizations use safeREACH when they need a structured way to support emergency communication and operational coordination across distributed teams. The software is relevant for environments where communication speed, transparency, and accountability are essential. Key characteristics of safeREACH include: - Emergency notification capabilities for distributing alerts and updates in real time - Crisis management support for coordinating communication and response processes during ongoing situations - Multiple interfaces, including mobile app, desktop app, cockpit, and admin interface - Administrative controls for managing users, groups, permissions, and organizational structures - Support for structured communication workflows, including escalation and information sharing safeREACH is used by organizations that require reliable alerting and coordinated communication processes in situations where delays, uncertainty, or missing information can affect operational response. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [safeREACH](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safereach-9620a6df-4ffd-4eb4-a5d2-4dcbafbe2e75) - **Year Founded:** 2002 - **HQ Location:** Vienna, AT - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/safereach (9 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 9. [Safeture](https://www.g2.com/products/safeture/reviews) Safeture is a Software as a Service (SaaS) company based in Sweden. The company offers a complete cloud-based platform designed to manage employee safety and crisis management. Through world-leading technology and innovative solutions, Safeture helps companies and organizations to protect what matters most – their employees. The open platform integrates seamlessly with external suppliers, such as assistance providers, travel agencies and employment databases - enabling you to manage risk, safety, and crisis processes from a single platform. The Safeture Platform is already used globally by more than 3500 companies. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Safeture](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safeture) - **Year Founded:** 2009 - **HQ Location:** Lund, SE - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://se.linkedin.com/company/safeture (44 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 10. [Sahana EDEN](https://www.g2.com/products/sahana-eden/reviews) Sahana's free/libre/open-source codebase provides a flexible, modular platform for rapidly deploying information management systems for disaster management and humanitarian use cases. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Sahana Foundation](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sahana-foundation) - **Year Founded:** 2009 - **HQ Location:** Los Angeles, US - **Twitter:** @Sahana_SERT (3 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sahana-software-foundation/ (15 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 11. [Salesmsg](https://www.g2.com/products/salesmsg/reviews) Salesmsg is the ultimate tool for communicating with your customers, clients, and team in real-time. Whether it’s sending texts or making calls, it’s all about staying connected, fast, and professional without the hassle. Here’s the deal Salesmsg lets you handle conversations through text and calls seamlessly. Need to remind a customer about their appointment? Done. Want to send a quick follow-up after a meeting? Easy. Running a marketing campaign? It’s perfect for that too. Who’s this for? Anyone from small businesses to big teams who value their time and want to stay on top of customer engagement. Think hair salons, real estate agents, coaches, or even a customer support team that wants to feel human, not robotic. Why it works: • Automation that feels personal: Schedule texts or send bulk messages, but make it look like you typed them yourself. • Smart call handling: Forward calls to the right person so nothing slips through the cracks. • Know what’s working: Built-in analytics let you track and tweak your communication game. The result? You’re faster, more organized, and always reachable. Customers feel valued, your team saves time, and you can scale your communication as you grow without losing the personal touch. At its core, Salesmsg is about making communication simple, effective, and human—because that’s how you build real relationships in business. **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 374 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 9.3/10) - **Quality of Support:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Salesmsg](https://www.g2.com/sellers/salesmsg) - **Company Website:** https://www.SalesMessage.com - **Year Founded:** 2017 - **HQ Location:** Delray Beach, FL - **Twitter:** @salesmsg (148 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/salesmsg/ (33 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Owner, Sales - **Top Industries:** Health, Wellness and Fitness, Real Estate - **Company Size:** 68% Small-Business, 27% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (141 reviews) - Easy Communication (74 reviews) - Easy Integration (66 reviews) - Integrations (61 reviews) - Customer Support (55 reviews) **Cons:** - Missing Features (25 reviews) - Messaging Issues (22 reviews) - Sending Issues (17 reviews) - SMS Issues (17 reviews) - Slow Loading (16 reviews) ### 12. [SARA (Situational Awareness and Response Assistant)](https://www.g2.com/products/sara-situational-awareness-and-response-assistant/reviews) SARA is an automated alerting engine that integrates stand-alone alarm and communication systems for centralized monitoring, alerting and reporting. - See more at: http://www.statussolutions.com/technologies/automated-alerting#sthash.Bqef5EEO.dpuf **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Status Solutions](https://www.g2.com/sellers/status-solutions) - **Year Founded:** 2001 - **HQ Location:** Westerville, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/status-solutions/ (74 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 13. [Securithor](https://www.g2.com/products/securithor/reviews) SECURITHOR is the software you need to monitor alarms, for operating a Central Station or the Response Center of your Company. SECURITHOR automates several tasks such as sending emails, sms and reports to subscribers. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [St.Germain Collins](https://www.g2.com/sellers/st-germain-collins) - **Year Founded:** 2016 - **HQ Location:** Westbrook, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sentry-ehs (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 14. [Swift911](https://www.g2.com/products/swift911/reviews) Swift911 is an emergency notification system that help safety officials communicate with residents and staff members during an emergency. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [SwiftReach](https://www.g2.com/sellers/swiftreach) - **Year Founded:** 2004 - **HQ Location:** Framingham, US - **Twitter:** @Swiftreach (149 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/rave-mobile-safety/ (137 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 15. [Techyy Voice Broadcasting](https://www.g2.com/products/techyy-voice-broadcasting/reviews) Voice Broadcasting allows you to instantly send an important voice message to your employees, customers or a pre-selected group of people instantly or on the go. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Techyy](https://www.g2.com/sellers/techyy) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 16. [Telecenter U](https://www.g2.com/products/telecenter-u/reviews) Telecenter U works with your data network to provide a seamless communications solution for every school and every system in your district, from IP addressable speakers in classrooms to a web-based user interface. Telecenter U connects across all of your locations from anywhere you are, providing seamless solutions for district-wide emergency notification, event management through synchronized time-keeping systems, and everyday communications through integrated network technologies **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Rauland](https://www.g2.com/sellers/rauland) - **Year Founded:** 1922 - **HQ Location:** Mount Prospect, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/rauland/about/ (319 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 17. [Threat Detector](https://www.g2.com/products/threat-detector/reviews) DataCapable's threat detection and real-time threat mapping uses AI and human verification to provide critical early alerts to mitigate impact. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [DataCapable](https://www.g2.com/sellers/datacapable) - **Year Founded:** 2015 - **HQ Location:** San Diego, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/datacapable (28 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 18. [Trygg](https://www.g2.com/products/trygg/reviews) Trygg is an essential safety tool tailor made for security managers and field staff operating in high risk environments. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Trygg Ltd](https://www.g2.com/sellers/trygg-ltd) - **Year Founded:** 2017 - **HQ Location:** London, GB - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/trygg/ (3 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 19. [UNITE](https://www.g2.com/products/unite/reviews) Stay informed and prepared with our top-rated emergency and disaster response app. Our state-of-the-art emergency preparedness and disaster response app platform, UNITE, is designed to help you organize and streamline your community's response to emergencies. Cities, counties, and states of all sizes have adopted UNITE as their main emergency preparedness smartphone app. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [QuickSeries Publishing Inc.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/quickseries-publishing-inc) - **Year Founded:** 1998 - **HQ Location:** Ft. Lauderdale, US - **Twitter:** @QuickSeriesPub (51 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/quickseries-publishing-inc- (47 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 20. [UNIT Notifier](https://www.g2.com/products/unit-notifier/reviews) UNIT Notifier is a fully featured Emergency Notification and Staff Notification System that is modern, reliable, and secure. Notifier works on mobile, tablets, and desktops while providing a full suite of notification management and reporting features. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [UNIT Innovations](https://www.g2.com/sellers/unit-innovations) - **Year Founded:** 2016 - **HQ Location:** San Antonio, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/unit-innovations/ (4 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 21. [Vantage Point](https://www.g2.com/products/prevailhq-vantage-point/reviews) When trouble threatens your workforce, Vantage Point minimizes the damage. Get early warning, one click mass alerting, response command center, and automated disaster checkins to mitigate the impacts of disruption. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [PrevailHQ](https://www.g2.com/sellers/prevailhq) - **HQ Location:** Rochester, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/prevailhq/ (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 22. [Vigilance](https://www.g2.com/products/vigilance/reviews) Vigilance provides software solutions that help organizations respond to emergency situations, to leverage and control existing security, life safety, and communication systems to reduce the impact of such a threat through systems integration. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Vigilance Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/vigilance-software) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** South Portland, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/vigilance-software/ (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 23. [Vigilant CampusWatch](https://www.g2.com/products/vigilant-campuswatch/reviews) Early warning and notification alert system. Vigilant CampusWatch™ helps to provide law enforcement with approximately 3-5 minutes to respond to, investigate and disrupt or prevent a potential critical incident. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Motorola Solutions](https://www.g2.com/sellers/motorola-solutions-efb6343e-6151-4953-b240-1dcb41cb4efa) - **HQ Location:** Chicago, US - **Twitter:** @MotoSolutions (27,873 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/motorolasolutions/ (27,176 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE:MSI - **Total Revenue (USD mm):** $7,414 ### 24. [Warnable](https://www.g2.com/products/warnable/reviews) Warnable is a responsive mobile app for emergency situations in K-12 schools. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Warnable](https://www.g2.com/sellers/warnable) - **HQ Location:** New York, NY - **Twitter:** @warnables (22 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 25. [Wearable Non-Tracking Panic Button](https://www.g2.com/products/wearable-non-tracking-panic-button/reviews) Pinpoint provides instant, room-level duress signaling for hospitals, residential rehabs, and behavioral health centers. Our solution is the only wearable non-tracking panic button technology that provides immediate de-escalation and emergency response without invasive big brother location tracking. Your staff deserves to be safe; they also deserve privacy and respect. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Pinpoint](https://www.g2.com/sellers/pinpoint-db4424fd-c69c-4af6-879c-7e054537d6b9) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ## Parent Category [Office Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/office-management-software) ## Related Categories - [Proactive Notification Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/proactive-notification) - [Critical Event Management (CEM) Platforms Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/critical-event-management-cem-platforms) - [Emergency Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/emergency-management) --- ## Buyer Guide ### What You Should Know About Emergency Notification Software ### What is Emergency Notification Software? Emergency notification software offers mobile communication to recipients via text message or phone call. This should not be confused with [emergency management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/emergency-management), which is a system that provides internal communication capabilities for professionals in the emergency services industry. Emergency notification software is used for emergency alerts only, so recipients will never be contacted unless it is related to an emergency situation. Due to its instantaneous nature, recipients receive important emergency messages quickly, so they can respond as soon as possible. Depending on the emergency, the urgency helps recipients take action and prevent injury from prolonged exposure to the emergency at hand. In addition, many emergency notification tools allow users to send texts with audio messages and images alongside text messages, increasing the chance that the critical notification is conveyed appropriately. For example, a recipient that is blind benefits from an audio notification over a text or image notification. Key Benefits of Emergency Notification Software - Offers instant calling and messaging capabilities to recipients - Sends notifications in a variety of ways, such as image, text, and audio - Messages can be sent to large contact groups - Notifications and replies are automated and can be managed online ### Why Use Emergency Notification Software? Emergency notification software is the ideal solution for instant, mass communication for a variety of emergency situations. Typical situations vary between severe weather, building lockdown, evacuations, and other crisis and general safety alerts. The need for instant mass communication is important in emergency situations, as it spreads emergency awareness quickly, preventing harm and injury related to the emergency. There are several other reasons why emergency notification tools are worth implementing: **Two notification options —** While text messages have greater response and engagement rates, emergency notifications can also be sent in the form of a phone call. Having more than one notification option increases the chance for recipients to receive the message. **Automation —** Quickness is key when responding to emergency matters. Automation helps users send out notifications quickly without too much time spent on the curation of the notification itself. **No capacity limits —** In many cases, a large group of recipients will need to receive emergency notifications. Luckily, most tools do not have a size limit, so users can send out notifications in bulk without worrying about leaving out any recipients. ### Who Uses Emergency Notification Software? Emergency notification software is primarily used by professionals responsible for public safety workers, but other uses for the software exist as well. **Public safety —** Public safety professionals are typically responsible for a specific municipality. In the event of a localized crisis, such as a weather emergency, public safety professionals can use emergency notification software to contact those within the municipality. **Building managers —** In the event of a building crisis, building managers can contact tenants using emergency notification software to help quickly evacuate the building. **Schools —** Schools benefit from emergency notification tools to communicate to the entire school in the event of an emergency. Students, teachers, and administrators are all contacted so evacuations and awareness are communicated quickly and easily. ### Emergency Notification Software Features Emergency notification tools have several features that benefit both the user and the recipient: **Bulk notifications —** Many tools don’t have a limit to how many recipients can receive emergency notifications at once. Users can contact entire contact lists or target areas without worrying about capacity limits. **Automation —** Users can automate emergency messages, which helps save time when an emergency arises. **Message management —** Users can control outgoing messages and incoming replies through a dashboard. From the dashboard, users can create new messages and edit existing ones. In addition, users can reply to specific recipients and see notification logs. **Resiliency —** In many cases, notifications need to be sent in high-stress, less-than-ideal times. For example, power outages and cellular disruptions often complicate normal phone notifications. However, emergency notification management tools often have extra servers and methods to bypass anything that would stand in the way of reaching their contact lists. **Message formats —** Notifications can be sent in a variety of ways to ensure the message is conveyed properly to everyone contacted. This includes image notifications, audio notifications, and traditional text message and phone call notifications. **Notification monitoring —** Users can monitor notifications in real time to see if everyone on their contact list was properly contacted. Monitoring also measures the effectiveness of the alerts by reading open rates and response rates. **GIS-based targeted outreach —** For users that don’t work with a specific contact list, GIS-based targets are an ideal way to contact people residing in specific areas of impact. This allows users to pinpoint people in certain areas that are in the area of an emergency. For example, if a tornado is forecast to hit a certain town, the emergency notification tool can use the GIS-based targeting feature to send out notifications to that town only. ### Trends Related to Emergency Notification Software **Social media emergency notifications —** Many tools are starting to implement social media notifications alongside the variety of standard methods to communicate to recipients in the event of an emergency. While text messaging has the highest engagement rates, social media posts are also a proven method of reaching a large number of people instantly. Social media is becoming a major, even initial, source of information for people. By sending emergency notifications to individual mobile and landline devices, as well as social media, users can ensure their emergency alerts quickly reach the highest level of awareness. ### Potential Issues with Emergency Notification Software **Formatting limitations in text notifications —** While text messaging is an ideal way to quickly communicate to a massive amount of people, there are some restrictions. Text messages often have a maximum character limit, depending on the device and cellular service a person uses. Because of this, users cannot rely on sending long messages in the event that the message is cut off. Furthermore, many recipients’ phones may not have the capability of receiving multimedia via text. People that only have landlines are also limited in the types of messages they are able to receive. To combat this, users should ensure they craft messages that are short and concise, as well as not rely on only sending text message emergency notifications so landline users are not excluded.