Embedded Files
It is ethical, equitable, and inclusive to prioritize language and disability accessibility in emergency alert and warning. It is also required by law.
PLAIN LANGUAGE
PLAIN LANGUAGE
Plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use information. It is especially important for people with Limited English Proficiency, low literacy, and cognitive or developmental disabilities. It is also the foundation for quality translations and interpretations of messages. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to train staff to use plain language when they communicate with the public. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. While the Act does not cover regulations, three separate Executive Orders emphasize the need for plain language: E.O. 12866, E.O. 12988, and E.O. 13563.
- PLAIN LANGUAGE RESOURCES
FREE ONLINE TOOLS
FREE ONLINE TOOLS
PAID TOOLS & SERVICES (NOT VETTED & ENDORSED)
PAID TOOLS & SERVICES (NOT VETTED & ENDORSED)
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLES
Each year, the Center for Plain Language offers the ClearMark Award, which recognizes the best in plain-language communications from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies in North America. View past winners for some excellent examples of plain language communication.
LANGUAGE ACCESS
LANGUAGE ACCESS
Most agencies that send emergency alert and warning messages receive federal financial assistance and are therefore obligated by law to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of national origin per Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166.
TITLE VI
TITLE VI
No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. - Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
EXECUTIVE ORDER 13166
EXECUTIVE ORDER 13166
Federal agencies [and recipients of federal financial assistance] are required to examine the services they provide, identify any need for services to those with limited English proficiency (LEP), and develop and implement a system to provide those services so LEP persons can have meaningful access to them. - Executive Order 13166
- LANGUAGE ACCESS RESOURCES
FEDERAL
FEDERAL
US Dept. of Justice Title VI Overview
English-Spanish Weather Dictionary (National Weather Service)
STATE
STATE
California Legislative Code on Translation of Emergency Notifications
California Office of Emergency Services Emergency Notification Language Templates and a Foreign Language Style Guide
LOCAL
LOCAL
San Francisco Language Access Ordinance Resource Library
Santa Clara Language Access Guidelines and Procedures
Metro Regional Government Factor 1 Analysis
City of Portland Language Access Guidance, Factor 1 Analysis, Title VI Compliance
Washington County Language Assistance Policy (not alerting specific)
GLOSSARIES
GLOSSARIES
ASL Glossary of Emergency Terms - Arizona Emergency Information Network
English-Spanish Dictionary (National Weather Service)
ASL Glossary of Emergency Management Terms (State of Arizona)
Wireless Emergency Alert Resources (CalOES - working on over a dozen more languages)
English-Spanish Dictionary of Health Related Terms (California Health & Wellness)
English-Spanish Glossary (San Diego County)
Water-Related Terminology (Portland Water Bureau)
DISABILITY ACCESS
DISABILITY ACCESS
Organizations are required to adhere to the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The law provides equal opportunity protection in telecommunications, government services, and other areas.
- DISABILITY ACCESS RESOURCES
NATIONAL
NATIONAL
Accessible font called Atkinson Hyperlegible Font
Pacific ADA Center Emergency Preparedness Publications & Resources
OREGON
OREGON
City of Portland Where to Begin: Creating Access for All
ALERT & WARNING
ALERT & WARNING
- ALERT & WARNING RESOURCES
NATIONAL
NATIONAL
Evidence-based guidance on emergency alerts and warnings for all hazards at The Warn Room.
Multilingual Alerting Resources (Joseph Trujillo Falcón)
Claudine Jaenichen's work with FEMA includes a Prep Talk called Visual + Effective Communication for Emergency Information and a series of pictograms to better show Shelter-in-Place Protective Actions
LOCAL
LOCAL
CalAlerts.org - Emergency Notification Language Templates, Foreign Language Style Guide
Accessible Alert & Warning Workshops Report - Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization of the Portland Metro Region
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