Alert

Alerts should be short and strong, under 65 characters.

An Alert is a banner across the top of a page with a short, urgent message. They're best when used temporarily, because users stop noticing them.

Supported content types

2 content types support alerts:

1. Agency

2. Location

Digital and Data Services can add sitewide alerts. Reach out to [e-mail] to learn more.

Write an alert

• Description. Text of your alert message.

• Expiration date (optional). The last day you want your alert to display. The alert will disappear at midnight on this date.

Alerts should be:

• Short (must be under 65 characters, but the shorter the better)

• Strong and direct (no mixed messages)

• Immediately actionable (link off to more information if needed)

Avoid using the phrase “do not.” People often misread negative messages, skipping over the “do not”.

Do	Avoid
Stay home. Get more COVID-19 info.	Do not gather. SF City government is open for essential services only, according to the public health order effective March 16, 2020.
Our office is closed on July 4, 2024.	See more examples from CA State (PDF)

You can add an alert expiration date, if you want. This will remove the alert automatically at the end of the chosen date.