Crisis Communications
Crucial to the success of emergency response
is the skill and professionalism with which emergency managers
communicate vital information to the public, both directly
and through the media. In a major disaster, the spotlight
of national and even international media attention can suddenly
shine on agencies that until then had no budget for sophisticated
communications strategies or public relations professionals.
Securing public confidence in a government or private sector
response to crises is entirely dependent upon how emergency
managers are perceived through the prism of communication
and the media.
All-Hands Consulting can prepare you. With our expertise,
you can get answers to question such as:
- How can I immediately disseminate to the
public reliable information about such things as small pox,
hazardous chemicals, emergency shelters and escape routes?
- How can I minimize problems associated with
the massive influx of unsolicited volunteers and donations
that is typical in major disasters?
- How can I handle an overwhelming volume of
news media inquiries without having embarrassing or incorrect
information or quotes broadcast worldwide?
- What tough questions do reporters typically
ask in emergencies and how will I answer them?
- How can I showcase my governor, mayor or
county executive so that his or her handling of emergencies
earns public admiration?
- How can I use the Internet and other new
technologies to get my messages out where they need to go?
- How can I be sure that other opinion leaders
– including legislators, sheriffs, mayors and others
– are fully informed and supportive of our efforts?
- Are my presentation style and interviews
skills as good as they could be?
We can help you establish a communications plan utilizing
best practices and standards outlined by FEMA, NFPA 1600 (emergency
management standard) and private crisis communications counselors.
Our consultation encompasses both immediate communications
in a crisis, preventive strategies, and long-term relationship-building
with the news media and others. Our consultants’ combined
experience with emergency management, media relations and
legislative affairs makes it possible to build an integrated
communications strategy mindful to all key audiences.
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