Crisis Communication

Cassidy Allen
HCS/320
Marilyn Goodloe
10/19/2014

As the Regional Director of Emergency Management INC, I come to you today with vital information pertaining to the official reports of the contamination of many of the metro community’s water supply. It is of great importance that we discuss the communication of this water scare and what is going to be effective and non effective during this crisis. In this meeting we will discuss and determine the best way to collaborate with the media and other necessary organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control(CDC) and The local Health Departments, In order to keep the public safe and informed. With official reports of water contamination first let’s discuss what the water is being contaminated with. The reports state the water is contaminated with a life threatening biological agent. As everybody should know “Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, other microorganisms and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even death. These organisms are widespread in the natural environment; they are found in water, soil, plants, and animals. Because many microbes reproduce rapidly and require minimal resources for survival.” ("United States Department Of Labor (osha)", 2010). Risks associated with consumption and non treatment of contaminated water according to our neighboring county of Scott is as follows: “If water is inadequately treated, microbiological contaminants present in the water may cause diarrhea, cramps and nausea. Under the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), the EPA has set enforceable requirements for treating drinking water to reduce the risk from disease-causing microorganisms such as shigella, salmonella, cryptosporidium, and giardia. Under the SWTR, drinking water systems that filter their water must ensure that the process is working effectively as demonstrated by turbidity and objective disinfection criteria. Public water treatment systems that do not filter their water must ensure that their source waters are clean and adequately disinfected.” ("Scott County", 2013). All of the information above stated it is of grave concern that we inform the public including healthcare officials to be on the look- out for these few signs and symptoms. The first step is to figure out is the process of collaboration with the necessary outside organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the local Health Departments. These organizations will help to implement the protocol for crisis situations with also a plan to on how to address the public through different communication outlets such as social media. They will also help with managing new information on the crisis as it comes to light and informing the public at that point as well. There will be many challenges that will come into play when informing the public. The biggest challenge that we have is the fact that when there is a crisis situation the media has been known to stretch the truth for publicity reasons. The media feeds of situations such as this. It is of our top priority to keep the public well informed and informed accurately. Through this communication if we stay on point with accurate information as it comes to us this will give us a more sense of control, and will help manage the public panic. We will quickly develop a leading team of researchers to quickly gain knowledge in updating information and the reasoning behind this contamination. Leading the development of this team, there will be scheduled public appearances such as press conferences that will be broadcasted on TV and the radio. This will help ease the public fear and help to reduce contact with the contamination if the public as well informed of the situation and what steps to take to protect themselves. The biggest advantage of