Email, SMS, and Voice Broadcast Alerts to Owners

Started by RichM1 • 5 replies • 2229 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

RichM1 (Arizona)
Posts: 5

Posted:

I am interested in hearing about any success stories regarding HOAs who have implemented a bulk messaging system. I know of one local HOA who has 80% of their owners on their email list, and they send crime reports every time the police are called to the property. I am interested in a system where users can choose the kinds of alerts they want and HOW they want them delivered, no spam of ANY kind, just water shutoff notices, crime reports, appointment reminders, severe weather warnings, Amber alerts, newsletter, whatever they choose to receive.

Till we discover what people really want, I think we may want to allow people to choose their delivery method, either (1) SMS Text Messages to their Cell Phone, (2) Voice Broadcasts to their home phone, (3) Emails, and/or (4) paper. As far as cost, we are currently doing this as paper notices, and the cost is high. The cost for email distribution is free, and the cost for SMS Messages and Voice Broadcasts is 3 cents each (much cheaper than distributing paper).

So I have two questions:
1. What types of "alerts" and messages should a community consider offering?
2. Any suggestions for how a community should roll this out and manage it?

Rich

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

Check your own documents to see if you CAN do this.

Our bylaws require certain communications to be done only by first class mail or certified mail.

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

Quote:

just water shutoff notices, crime reports, appointment reminders, severe weather warnings, Amber alerts, newsletter

I agree with everything except the water shutoff notice. That is a legal issue. It needs to be delivered by mail.

All the other stuff listed is just extra stuff your association does on its own.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

I believe the "water shutoff notice" the OP is referring to is a generic: "The water to the community will be shut off between 9AM and 3PM for work on the water main. We apologize for any inconvenience this necessary work may cause." Not a "You haven't paid your assessment so we're cutting off your water" type announcement.

I wouldn't recommend the system the OP is describing for weather alerts, too much of a chance that one wouldn't be sent in a timely manor and someone claim an injury from the HOA's failure to act. For those types of alerts we recommend homeowner's purchase weather radio's with alert feature. For the other stuff it's not a bad idea but again it could leave the HOA open to litigation if someone were injured by HOA's failure to send a timely alert.

There have been cases reported in the HOA news-feed (main page) several years ago where associations have been successfully sued over failure to inform. One case jumps to mind where a rapist was loose in the neighborhood, the Board knew but failed to pass the info along and a woman was raped.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

RichM1 (Arizona)
Posts: 5

Posted:

Thanks, these are good points. Our bylaws are specific about communications regarding certain types of meetings, but not about communications in general. It is correct that I am talking about maintenance shutoff notices.

Also, regarding the legal obligations that we might create, I think it is a good point, and anyone who executes something like this probably needs to consider toning down the list of types of alerts, and probably should even call them alerts (courtesy notices, etc). Also, if we do this, I will probably create some strongly worded disclaimer language on the signup form.

Do you believe that adding last-minute sms/phone reminders might increase attendance at meetings? We started putting out "Town Hall Tonight" banners at all of the entrances and it appears to have increased attendance. I think that time escapes most people, and I remember often getting minutes of meetings a few days afterwards and saying, "oh yeah, there was a meeting."

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By RichM1 on 04/27/2011 10:27 AM

Do you believe that adding last-minute sms/phone reminders might increase attendance at meetings?

It certainly wouldn't hurt to try it and see.

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here