Why geography matters in emergency messaging

James Barros, administrator of the Emergency Management Agency in Hawaii, says recent tests showed the need for clearer evacuation messaging in emergency alerts, tailored to each person’s location. Details, he told StateScoop’s Priorities Podcast, such as whether residents are in buildings, on the beach or at high elevation, should dictate varying responses. “So if you’re sitting in Waikiki, four stories and above, then probably stay there, you’re OK,” Barros says. “If you’re a tourist and you’re outside of Waikiki and you’re at the Pali, don’t come back into Waikiki. If at all possible, don’t get on the roads. Just hunker down where you’re at.”

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On this episode of the Priorities podcast, James Barros, administrator of the Emergency Management Agency in Hawaii, joins us to discuss the results of the September tests. He said the tests showed the need for clearer evacuation messaging in emergency alerts, tailored to each person’s physical location. Details, such as whether residents are in buildings, on the beach or at high elevation, that each require a different response. 

Top stories this week: 

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