Government

How the Gilbert, AZ, Government Rapidly Adopted SMS Alerts During the COVID-19 Crisis

Derek Konofalski, Data and Technology Analyst for Gilbert, Arizona, the sixth-largest municipality in the state, was already considering text communications to help keep his community connected when COVID-19 forced a new normal on the world in 2020.

He was thrilled to see that EZ Texting was offering free emergency alert text services to all municipalities, schools, and government offices nationwide during the pandemic and instantly signed up.

6th

Largest Municipality in Arizona

250K

Residents to Reach

10K

Subscribers Within 2 Weeks

The Challenge: Reach 250K People With Emergency SMS Alerts

Like many other municipalities the former “Hay Shipping Capital of the World” needed a way to reach its population of roughly 250,000 residents with clear health and safety communication, and they couldn’t take the chance that their messages weren’t read.

We have been incredibly happy with EZ Texting's service. In just the first two weeks we have already amassed over 8,000 signups and the feedback is that community members truly appreciate the ongoing communication during this challenging time.

Derek Konofalski, Data and Technology Analyst – Gilbert, AZ

The Solution

Konofalski quickly set up the Keyword “GILBERT” to allow residents to "text to join" their opt-in list. Once opted in, residents receive a confirmation message and then continual updates on the latest COVID-19 information from town and state leaders, as well as health experts.

Following best practices they then maximized signups by spreading the message across their social media, adding it to the official Gilbert website, and amplifying it through local ad buys.

The Results

Konofalski was ecstatic about the results as he watched their opt-in list quickly grow to nearly 10,000 roughly two weeks after launching. He also heard amazing feedback from residents who were thrilled to have a new, easily accessible, and reassuring channel for critical information during a stressful time.