Communication And Crisis Paper

Submitted By Rickstewart88
Words: 1373
Pages: 6

Communication and Crisis
HCS/320
March 1, 2015

Communication and Crisis
“Because every company, government agency and non-profit in America could be affected in some small way, requiring big communications, Braud says public relations professionals need to have their A-game ready. He says every crisis communications plan needs to be updated and organizations no plans need to stop everything right now and focus on what lies ahead.”(2010, PR Newswire) Having a great communication plan can help save people’s lives. It is important to take the steps necessary to design a communication plan. The steps needed to design a great communication plan should be planned out. Each step and person involved in handling the plan is very important. Every person or organization involved should know their responsibilities during a crisis. When an emergency occurs, a thought out plan gives leaders and time to focus on the crisis. The communication plan allows for accurate and speed of their responses to a crisis. The plan should designate those who are responsible for different scenarios. Appoint someone to lead the response. Identify who performs what actions, who needs to be consulted, and who needs to stay informed about the situation. The plan needs to include procedures for information to be delivered. Information must have verification, clearance, and approval. The plan needs to include procedures for communicating with stakeholders and partners. A spokesperson must be appointed to communicate with the media, contact the public, and answer questions. When talking with the public and media about an emergency crisis it is important to respond to the questions clear and accurately. If answers are not clear and well thought out the public or media might assume they are purposefully hiding something. Making eye contact and talking clearly can alleviate some of the confusion.

Director of Emergency Management Office
I come to you today as the director of the regional Emergency Management office here in West Central Missouri. I have received some official reports that the public water supplies of several towns have become contaminated. The water supplies have tested positive for a life-threatening biological agent. The crisis surrounding the contaminated water supply is a delicate situation. The problem has to be handled with the appropriate manners and communication channels. People’s lives are in danger, and we do not want to cause a mass panic. The water supply contamination has sent many individuals to the emergency room. At this time, we have no reliable evidence on how the water became contaminated. The problem is under investigation and appropriate steps will be made to alleviate this issue. My job as the regional director is to use the proper communications channels to inform the public in a suitable manner. The crisis needs to be handled appropriately to avoid any panic. The public needs to know which cities are contaminated. The public also needs to be aware of what the symptoms of the contamination are. The public also needs to be aware of proper steps to help purify their water. The citizens need to know who to contact for clean drinking water. Many public health facilities and hospitals will have to take measures to prepare for this growing concern. The contamination and individuals who become ill will crowd our health facilities and hospitals. Hospitals, health centers, and Emergency rooms need to be prepared to handle the demand of these citizens crowding their offices. The symptoms that the citizens need to be aware of are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, headaches, dizziness, and trouble breathing. We must in act an emergency contingency plan to address the situation. Our organization must work with the public to avoid creating a panic. The Emergency Management office will do everything in its power to clean up the water supply. The first thing I plan to do is to hold a press conference to help ensure