Public Safety & Workplace Alerting - Blog | PEASI

Should Canada's Alert Ready system be used for the Pandemic? | PEASI

Written by Jacob Westfall | Jun 19, 2021 2:54:07 PM

 

On March 27, 2020, we launched an online survey to gauge how effectively COVID-19 notices and information are being communicated to the Canadian public. The survey was open to English and French respondents for 4 days and was promoted via the Alertable app and social media. In total, 931 responses were received from Canadians in every Province and Territory.

We have previously conducted numerous national surveys, such as after the bi-annual public tests of Canada’s national public alert system, Alert Ready. These public test alerts are sent via radio, television, compatible wireless devices, and other emergency alerts distribution channels such as social media and mobile apps. The feedback received from these earlier tests has helped to improve Alert Ready messaging and PEASI believed there could also be potential improvements to COVID-19 pandemic public notices and communications.

Some key highlights:

  • 84% OF RESPONDENTS THOUGHT THAT CANADA’S NATIONAL PUBLIC ALERT SYSTEM, ALERT READY, SHOULD BE USED TO NOTIFY THE PUBLIC OF COVID-19 ALERTS AND INFORMATION
  • 72% of respondents reported being satisfied with COVID-19 communications they were receiving from the government
  • 63% of respondents felt they were getting the right amount of information
  • 36% of respondents reported receiving false information about COVID-19
  • Respondents identified receiving alerts for stay-at-home orders and closures and restrictions in their communities as their top priorities

Check out the full report here: https://peasi.com/survey-results/

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