The IPAWS MDD: Effective Message Writing and the Message Design Dashboard

Governments at all levels have recognized the need to communicate to their constituents, resulting in a nationwide policy: the Warning, Alert, and Response Networks Act which led to the development of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) System and the coordination of participating wireless carriers to deliver alerts and warnings to mobile devices to those at risk. This nationwide approach means that regardless of location, alerts and warnings can be delivered to those at risk using geo-targeted alerts to mobile devices.

The University at Albany College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity (CHEC) has conducted research on human perceptions in response to these mobile-delivered messages. In partnership FEMA IPAWS and the University at Albany Center for Technology and Government (CTG) has developed the Message Design Dashboard (MDD) to help emergency managers write effective messages for public alerts and warnings more quickly, effectively, and consistently.

This 4-hour, highly interactive, workshop will give participants an overview of the research used to develop the message structures, training on the MDD itself, and hands-on experience building messages guided by instructors.

About the Presenters

Travis Cryan has 25 years of experience in Emergency Services. He has worked in EMS, for a Healthcare Coalition, and corporate emergency management. From 2019-2022, he worked for the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency as the Training and Exercise Program Manager. He is currently a Principal Consultant for Bent Ear Solutions. Travis is a CEM through IAEM. He holds a BA in Emergency Management and an MS in Management & Leadership.

Jeannette Sutton, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany, SUNY. Dr. Sutton specializes in disaster and risk with a primary focus on online informal communication, and public alerts and warning disseminated via terse messaging channels. Much of her research investigates the evolving role of information and communication technology, including social media and mobile devices, for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.