Abstract: A communication network uses a broadcast network and a plurality of receivers with a common device identifier. When a message is sent over the broadcast network it is received simultaneously by each receiver, allowing fast, uniform information transmission. An embodiment of a receiver has an audible alert as well as a text display. One embodiment of the receiver has no power switch so the device cannot be turned off but has a battery life of one year or more. When deployed in a geographically dispersed area, such as a college campus, airport, or seaport, messages sent via the communication network allows an authorized party to issue almost instantaneous updates on critical events, such as a terrorist strike or natural disaster. To encourage use, the receivers may be suitable for use as a key fob and may be color coded, for example, using a university's own color scheme.