"Developing a successful warning strategy requires three things: (1) Planning. Long before an emergency occurs the appropriate officials should develop plans for when and how to issue public warnings. Key elements in any plan include the criteria for issuing a warning, the officials with the authority to issue a warning, standard terminology and the methods of distribution. (2) Public Education. Just as important as the plan is educating the public. Information needs to be provided to the public that explains how they will be warned, what do warnings mean (e.g. if a siren goes off is it calling the volunteer firemen to the station or signaling that citizens should stay in their houses?), and where to get additional information, especially if the power is off. (3) Testing and Evaluation. An effective warning system will be tested on a regular basis; both to make sure the system works and that citizens understand the purpose and the message. Evaluation of the system by emergency managers, government officials, the media, private sector and the public can be invaluable in identifying ways to improve the communication of warning messages". (PPW, Protecting America's Communities, 2004, pp. 5-6)