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CC: Send Bulk Alerts

Purpose Statement

This article explains how to send bulk alerts to Community Connect users. Bulk alerts allow agencies to quickly communicate important information—such as weather warnings or community notifications—to targeted groups of users who have opted in.

Background Information

The Community Connect module enables agencies to send mass notifications via email or SMS to users who have subscribed to specific alert types. These alerts can include general notifications, community events, and weather-related messages.

Users must opt in to receive alerts, and administrators can filter recipients based on these preferences to ensure messages are delivered to the appropriate audience.

Required Permissions

  • Access to the Community Connect module
  • Permissions to view and manage users
  • Permissions to send bulk alerts/notifications

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Navigate to Community Connect Users

  1. From the module stack, select Community Connect.

  2. Click on Users at the top of the page.



     

2. Filter Users by Alert Preferences

  1. Click chevron to expand filter options.


     

  2. Locate the filter option for Alerts Opted In.

     

  3. Click the dropdown menu.
     
  4. Choices include:
    • Email Alerts
    • SMS Alerts
       

  5. Select the desired alert category (e.g., General, Community Events, Notifications, Weather).


     

  6. Click Apply to filter users based on your selection.

     

3. Select Target Users

  1. After filtering, locate the checkbox at the top of the user list.

  2. Click the checkbox to select all filtered users.



4. Initiate Bulk Alert

  1. Click Bulk Actions.

  2. Select Send Alert.


     

  3. Choose the Alert Type (e.g., Weather).


     

  4. Select the delivery method (Email or SMS, if applicable).



     

5. Create the Alert Message

  1. Enter a Subject (e.g., “Flooding Alert”).
  2. Enter the Message Body (e.g., “Flooding is expected east of I-95 with this evening’s storms.”).
  3. (Optional) Click Save Template to reuse this message in the future.

     

6. Send the Alert

  1. Review the alert content for accuracy.

  2. Click Send to distribute the alert to all selected users.



     

7. Review Alert Status

  1. Navigate to the Actions column in the user list.
  2. Click the alert/notification icon for a user.

  3. View the alert status and message details sent to that user.

Best Practices

  • Always verify user filters before sending alerts to avoid incorrect targeting.
  • Use templates for recurring alerts to maintain consistency.
  • Keep messages clear, concise, and actionable.
  • Double-check subject lines and message content before sending.
  • Segment users appropriately based on alert type preferences.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why aren’t all users receiving the alert?
A: Only users who have opted in to the selected alert type will receive the notification.

Q: Can I send both email and SMS alerts at the same time?
A: This depends on your agency’s configuration. You may need to select each delivery type separately.

Q: I don’t see the Bulk Actions option.
A: Ensure you have selected at least one user from the list.

Q: Can I reuse alerts?
A: Yes, you can save alerts as templates and load them for future use.

Q: How do I confirm an alert was sent?
A: Check the alert status icon in the user list to view delivery details.