Kaitlyn Orred
When disaster strikes, it’s essential to have a communication plan that keeps everyone on the same page. While traditional phone calls have long been the standard in emergencies, texting offers a more reliable alternative, especially for reaching large groups quickly.
Let’s explore why you might want to consider texting over calling in an emergency.
Why Is Texting Better Than Calling?
In an emergency, every second counts. Texting is a quick and easy way to connect with contacts, friends, or families. But if you need to reach a large number of people (especially in a business context), mass texting is the right solution.
Efficiency and Convenience
In emergencies, reaching out to your entire audience at once is essential to keep everyone safe and get help if needed. Mass texting allows you to reach numerous people simultaneously, increasing the likelihood that your message will be received and responded to quickly.
In addition, ready-to-go text templates, which you can save in a mass texting platform like Text-Em-All, allow you to send emergency notifications even faster.
High Open Rates
Text messages have a 98% open rate. In addition, people check their phones at least once every 12 minutes on average. Since text messages are easy to read and require less effort than returning a missed call or listening to a voicemail, it ensures that your message will be promptly seen and addressed.
Better Record Keeping
Text messages provide a tangible record of communication, offering clarity and accountability in emergencies. Additionally, confirmed delivery with read receipts offers reassurance that critical messages have been received and acknowledged.
Enhanced Privacy and Discretion
Texting affords a level of privacy and discretion unmatched by phone calls. In sensitive situations where confidentiality is paramount, texting allows individuals to communicate discreetly without compromising their safety or security.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
Texting is accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities, making it an inclusive method of communicating in emergencies. Furthermore, texting is a cost-effective option even in challenging circumstances. In contrast, phone calls may incur charges or require stable network connections.
Emotional and Cognitive Benefits
Texting can alleviate anxiety and stress in emergencies, giving individuals the time and space to compose their thoughts before responding. This enables more thoughtful communication and fosters clearer decision-making during critical moments.
Read 6 Tips for Writing an Effective Text Message
Why Texting is Preferred in Emergencies
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, texting offers unique advantages specific to emergencies.
Ensures Message Delivery Amid Network Congestion
According to Brough Turner, a communications engineer, text messages consume fewer network resources than voice calls or video chats, making them more likely to be delivered during heavy network congestion. This reliability ensures that you reach your intended recipients, even amid chaos.
By using Text-Em-All, you’ll receive detailed delivery results for your text broadcast so you know who has seen the message and who needs to be contacted again or differently.
Maintains Silence
Texting maintains a discreet and non-disruptive communication channel, making it ideal in situations where noise could escalate danger or jeopardize safety. In emergencies where silence is critical, texting enables individuals to communicate without attracting attention.
Remains Accessible During Physical Incapability
Texting allows individuals to communicate in scenarios where speaking may be impossible due to injury, threat, or disability. When you can’t talk, texting becomes essential for seeking help and sharing important details.
Offers Emergency Services and Text-to-911 Features
Recently, emergency services have started to accept text messages, providing a vital lifeline to those in need. Text-to-911 features enable discreet and efficient requests for help, ensuring swift responses to urgent situations.
Text-to-911 is only available in certain locations, so be sure to research and note whether or not your location currently supports the service.
Deciding Between Texting and Calling
While texting offers numerous advantages in emergencies, there may be instances where a phone call is more appropriate. Ultimately, the decision between texting and calling depends on the specific circumstances and individual preferences.
However, in many cases, leveraging the benefits of texting can enhance communication and expedite response times during critical events.
If you’re using Text-Em-All to send your emergency messages, you can send a combination broadcast in which your contacts receive both a text message and a voice call. This is often an optimal solution to give your message the best chance of being received quickly and through a preferred communication channel.
Text-Em-All: Empowering Effective Emergency Communication
In times of crisis, effective communication can make all the difference. While both texting and calling have their merits, texting prioritizes efficiency, privacy, and accessibility, offering a powerful way to seek help during an emergency. In addition, most people prefer texting over calling, making it the preferred form of communication.
At Text-Em-All, we take pride in providing a service that helps so many people communicate during an emergency. Whether an organization needs to reach 10 or 10,000 people, using a fast and efficient text-based communication system will help keep people safe, informed, and prepared for when situations take a turn for the worse.
Give Text-Em-All a try today by creating your free account, and keep people informed when it matters most.