Crisis Communications Plans
"The initial phase of a crisis can be characterized by confusion, uncertainty, and intense media interest. Information is usually incomplete, and the facts often scattered. The organization’s communicators and decision makers will be required to collect information about what happened, separate fact from rumors, activate communication response, and coordinate with other responding agencies. Situational awareness is at a premium, with few second chances to get communication right during this phase of a crisis."[1]
"Crisis communications plans enable the organization to proactively establish effective and consistent communication with affected stakeholders by explaining how the organization will handle a specific crisis. This type of communication is different from risk communication, which increases stakeholder awareness of the general risks posed by dams to help inform community preparedness for emergencies. While both types of communication are important, this handbook focuses on planning for communicating once an emergency takes place."[1]
Principles of Effective Crisis Communication
- Provide timely and accurate facts, including where the crisis occurred.
- Say what is being done now.
- Give credible answers regarding the magnitude of the crisis, including possible threats to the public.
- Share the possible duration of the crisis.
- Explain as much as you can about who will fix the problem, and when.[1]
Best Practices Resources
A Guide to Public Alerts and Warnings for Dam and Levee Emergencies (EP 1110-2-17), USACE, 2015
Citations:
Revision ID: 5655
Revision Date: 12/14/2022