Question:

How do I know which message type to select when creating my message?

What are the differences between the three message types available?

Answer:

Selecting the correct message type is extremely important when creating a new publication. See below for suggestions on how to choose the correct message type for your next Nixle message.

Alert

Alert messages are reserved for critically important information where loss of life and/or property is potentially imminent. Alert messages are time sensitive and require residents to take immediate action. Alert messages may be republished on Google Public Alerts based on the message content and the chosen CAP fields.

By default, Alert messages reach your residents by SMS and email; however, residents have the ability to change their settings on www.nixle.com. Sending non-critical Alerts, or overusing the Alert message type, increases the chance that residents will opt out of SMS and/or email notifications from your agency. Alert examples include:

• Evacuation Order
• Severe Weather Warning
• Missing Child
• Gas Leak
• Wildfire
• Tsunami Warning
• Contagious Disease Outbreak

Advisory

Advisory messages are intended to communicate important, need-to-know information. Advisories require a heightened sense of awareness from your residents, but should be considered less time critical than Alerts.

By default, Advisory messages reach your residents by email only; however, residents have the ability to change their settings on www.nixle.com. Advisory messages are affected by SmartPath, and therefore will not send by SMS to residents that have an email address registered. To find out more about SmartPath, please visit Everbridge Nixle SmartPath FAQ.

Sending non-important Advisories, or overusing the Advisory message type, increases the chance that residents will opt out of email notifications from your agency. Advisory examples include:

• Road Closure/Detour
• Wanted Suspect
• Police Activity
• Severe Weather Watch
• School Closing
• Traffic Congestion

Community

Community messages convey everyday local news, happenings, and developments. Community messages should not contain any time-critical information.

By default, Community messages reach your residents by email only; however, residents have the ability to change their settings on www.nixle.com. Community messages are affected by SmartPath, and therefore will not send by SMS to residents that have an email address registered. To find out more about SmartPath, please visit Everbridge Nixle SmartPath FAQ.

Community examples include:

• Police Blotter
• Event Reminder
• Sobriety Checkpoint Notice
• Town Hall Meeting
• Crime Prevention Tips
• Community Updates