Insights into public early warning systems in developing countries: A case of Jordan

Public early warning systems have the capacity to save lives. These systems, which are becoming increasingly important, have the ability to deliver customized information based on the affected areas and direct to the citizen during a crisis, complementing the work of traditional warning media like television and radio. Several countries around the world have implemented or started to look into implementing their national early warning systems. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative inquiry involving in-depth interviews with five key informants, officials, and expert in the domain of emergency management regarding the efforts of the government of Jordan in considering future early warning systems within its emergency management arrangements. Findings show the stressing need for a public early warning system in Jordan but that several impediments exist in the face of the development and deployment of such a system. These mainly include the absence of substantial finance, lack of citizen awareness and readiness for these systems, and cultural misconceptions about the role of the early warning systems in saving lives. Findings also indicate several recommendations to realize these systems in Jordan, principally soliciting support and fund from international donors, and establishing proper education and awareness campaigns to resolve the cultural issues concerning early warning systems. Implications for government policy and practice are also discussed.