Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World

Communications that supports disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery by disseminating accurate information to the general public, to elected officials and community leaders and the media reduces risk, saves lives and property, and speeds recovery. No longer an afterthought or a luxury, communications is now as important as logistics or the pre-deployment of materials. Planning and controlling the flow of information before, during, and after a disaster will...
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Communications that supports disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and
recovery by disseminating accurate information to the general public, to elected officials and community leaders and the media reduces risk, saves lives and property, and speeds recovery. No longer an afterthought or a luxury, communications is now as important as logistics or the pre-deployment of materials. Planning and controlling the flow of information before, during, and after a disaster will define your agency's credibility, trustworthiness, authority and effectiveness.
The emergence of new media like the internet, e-mail, blogs, text messaging, cell phone photos and the increasing role played by ?first informers? ? witnesses who now have the ability to transmit information immediately from the event ? are redefining the roles of government and media. The government's historical role as gatekeeper is now an anachronism, and traditional media's role as the sole conduit of reliable and officially-sanctioned information has been eclipsed. The tools and rules of disaster communications are evolving and must capitalize on these changes and exploit the opportunities they provide. Imagine being able to deploy an army of bloggers to help convey an evacuation order during a wildfire, and report on the locations of new shelters as they open.
Even though the means to the end are evolving, the goals, the values, and the underlying principles of effective disaster communication ? the need for transparency, increased accessibility, trustworthiness and reliability, and to create partnerships with the media ? have not changed and need to be integrated with the practical ability to convey information effectively. This book teaches you how to communicate during a disaster and how to learn from the best and worst of recent history.

* Applies the principles of emergency management to communications during a disaster
* Covers terrorist incidents, accidents, and natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes
* Shows how to use blogs, text messages, and cell phone cameras as well as government channels and traditional media to communicate during a crisis