On Hawaii’s Big Island Text Alerts Prove Critical During Hurricane, Volcanic Eruption

Route Fifty: Between Hurricane Lane in August and Kīlauea’s recent volcanic eruption that started in May, the Hawaii Police Department needed to keep residents and visitors abreast of developing public safety threats.

The hurricane dumped 52 inches of rain on the Big Island, causing flooding and landslides, while Kīlauea’s eruptions opened lava- and toxic gas-spewing fissures across parts of the island, destroying more than 700 homes.

Text alerts proved the quickest way to warn people about everything from road closures to evacuations.

Read article