Key takeaways

• Less than half of Colorado residents have opted in to local emergency alerts
• Many alerts lack complete details or translations into Spanish and other languages
• People with disabilities often miss vital information due to format issues
• Colorado uses a mix of opt-in and opt-out systems that vary by county
• More funding, training, and community outreach can boost alert coverage

What Are Emergency Alerts?

Emergency alerts warn people about dangers like wildfires, floods, or toxic spills. They aim to reach everyone in a specific area fast. For instance, Wireless Emergency Alerts send messages to all phones in a zone unless people opt out. Other systems require people to sign up, or opt in, on county websites. Emergency alerts can arrive by text, email, siren or radio. Yet when these alerts lack clear details or translation, many residents remain unaware of urgent risks.

Why Many People Miss Alerts

Research in Colorado found that only four in ten residents have signed up for local emergency alerts. Many people simply do not know how to register. Furthermore, alerts often come only in English. However, census data show that one in ten people in some counties speaks Spanish at home and has limited English skills. Consequently, critical warnings may go unread. Moreover, alerts may omit key information like where the danger lies and when to act. Without clear guidance, users might ignore or misunderstand the message.

Who Sends Emergency Alerts

Multiple agencies can issue emergency alerts. Local 911 centers, weather forecast offices, and state agencies all play a part. In addition, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System lets approved authorities send messages across platforms simultaneously. Yet not all Colorado counties have this approval. Even those that do may not use it due to limited staff or funding. Thus, some alerts travel through fewer channels, shrinking their reach.

How Colorado’s Patchwork System Works

Colorado has no single alert system. Instead, local governments choose platforms. For example, Boulder County uses Everbridge. Adams County relies on CodeRed. Each system carries its own registration process. Therefore, people who live, work, or play across counties may need multiple accounts. Meanwhile, Wireless Emergency Alerts work by default. If you stay inside a broadcast zone, you will get a message unless you turn it off. Yet even these opt-out alerts have limits. They allow only English or Spanish. They also can’t display accents or special characters. Plans to expand to more languages are now on hold.

What Stops Officials from Improving Alerts

Alerting authorities want to include more languages and accessible formats. However, they cite a lack of resources as their biggest barrier. A statewide survey of 222 officials found that 64 percent lack funding for inclusive alerts. More than a third don’t even know if their system can send messages to people with disabilities. Many say they need better training on how to use advanced features. In short, they care about equity, but they face tight budgets and small teams.

Why Accessibility Matters in Emergency Alerts

Disasters affect people in unequal ways. Research shows that people with disabilities face higher death rates during crises. Similarly, those who don’t speak English well often receive vital information too late. Emergency alerts that rely solely on text can fail blind or low-vision users. Alerts without captions or text transcripts leave out deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. Thus, alerts must include multiple formats to reach everyone.

Steps to Make Emergency Alerts Better

Federal and local governments can allocate funds to upgrade alert systems. Standardizing alert methods across counties would also help. For example, a shared opt-in platform could cover multiple regions. Meanwhile, training sessions could teach officials how to craft clear and inclusive messages.

Authorities can partner with local community groups to spread the word. Trusted organizations can help translate alerts and assist residents in signing up. School districts, churches, and cultural centers often have strong ties to at-risk populations. They can provide outreach events and registration drives.

Researchers can continue to study how different communities use alerts. Their findings can guide system upgrades and policy changes. Finally, individuals should learn about and join their local alert systems today. A simple search for “emergency alerts” and your county or city name can show you how to sign up.

By working together, we can ensure that every Coloradan hears the next emergency alert.

FAQs

How do I sign up for local emergency alerts?

Visit your city or county website and search for “emergency alerts.” Then follow the registration steps. Some places let you sign up by phone or in person at local offices.

Why do I get different alerts in each county?

Each county chooses its own alert platform. This patchwork approach means you may need separate accounts for different systems.

Can I get alerts in languages other than English?

Some counties offer alerts in Spanish or other languages. However, many lack the resources to translate messages. You can contact your local emergency office to ask about translation options.

What is the difference between opt-in and opt-out alerts?

Opt-in alerts require you to sign up to receive notifications. Opt-out alerts, like Wireless Emergency Alerts, send messages to all phones in a zone unless you turn them off.