Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World
2nd Edition
Description
Communications are key to the success of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Accurate information disseminated to the general public, to elected officials and community leaders, as well as to the media, reduces risk, saves lives and property, and speeds recovery. Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World, Second Edition, provides valuable information for navigating these priorities in the age of evolving media. The emergence of new media like the Internet, email, blogs, text messaging, cell phone photos, and the increasing influence of first informers are redefining the roles of government and media.
The tools and rules of communications are evolving, and disaster communications must also evolve to accommodate these changes and exploit the opportunities they provide. Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World, Second Edition, illuminates the path to effective disaster communication, including the need for transparency, increased accessibility, trustworthiness and reliability, and partnerships with the media.
Key Features
- Includes case studies from recent disasters including Hurricane Sandy, the 2011 tsunami in Japan, and the Boston Marathon bombings
- Demonstrates how to use blogs, text messages, and cell phone cameras, as well as government channels and traditional media, to communicate during a crisis
- Examines current social media programs conducted by FEMA, the American Red Cross, state and local emergency managers, and the private sector
- Updated information in each chapter, especially on how social media has emerged as a force in disaster communications
Readership
Emergency management professionals; security managers; homeland security directors; corporate communications and PR professionals
Table of Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Digital Assets
For the Instructor
For the Student
The Butterworth-Heinemann Homeland Security Series
Other Titles in the Series
Other Related Titles of Interest
Introduction
Conclusion
Chapter One. Communications: The Critical Function
Mission
Assumptions
Conclusion
References
Chapter Two. The Changing Media World
Social Media, News, and Disasters
What IS Social Media?
Social Media and Disasters
References
Chapter Three. The “New” News Room
The Evolution of the Newsroom
Changing Roles and Responsibilities
Social Media Editors
Journalists as Curators
Social Media in the Newsroom
Social Media as One Part of a Comprehensive Disaster Communications Program
References
Chapter Four. Disaster Coverage Past and Present
How did This Evolution Occur?
The Emergence of Social Media as a Disaster Communications Tool
The Use of Digital Media During Disasters Will Continue to Skyrocket
References
Chapter Five. Principles of a Successful Communications Strategy
Principle: Focus on the Needs of your Customers
Principle: Make a Commitment to Effective Communications
Principle: Make Communications an Integral Part of All Planning and Operations
Principle: Be Transparent in Your Communications
Principle: Ensure that Your Information is Accurate
Principle: Release Information in a Timely Manner
Principle: Make Yourself, Your Staff, and Technical Experts (Where Appropriate) Available and Accessible
Principle: Create an Emotional Connection with Your Audience
Principle: Build a Partnership with the Media
Conclusion
References
Chapter Six. Application of Communications Principles to All Four Phases of Emergency Management
Mitigation
Preparedness Programs and Actions
Response
ReCOVERY
Conclusion
References
Chapter Seven. Disaster Communications Audiences
The Public
Elected Officials and Community Leaders
Partners and Stakeholders
The Media
Conclusion
References
Chapter Eight. How to Adapt to the Changing Media Environment
Social Media as a Critical and Indispensable Element in Disaster and Crisis Communications
Best Social Media Practices for Emergency Managers
Media Relations 101
Keys to All Successful Media Outreach
References
Chapter Nine. Case Studies
The Boston Marathon Bombings
Hurricane Sandy
The Great East Japan Earthquake
Haiti Earthquake
References
Chapter Ten. Climate Change
Climate Change Communications
What Adaptation Communicators and Disaster Communicators Have in Common
How Adaptation and Disaster Communictors Can Work Together
Conclusion
References
Chapter Eleven. Communicating During a Public Health Crisis
Health Departments and Social Media Use
Trends in Social Media Use in Public Health
How Audiences Assess Messages in a Crisis
Crisis Communications Tactics
References
Chapter Twelve. Building an Effective Disaster Communications Capability in a Changing Media World
Introduction
A Communication Plan
Information Coming in
Information Going Out
Messengers
Staffing
Training and Exercises
Monitoring, Updating, and Adapting
Conclusion
References
Glossary of Terms
Social Media Terms
Traditional Media Terms
Emergency Management Terms
Sources
Index
Details
- No. of pages:
- 282
- Language:
- English
- Copyright:
- © Butterworth-Heinemann 2014
- Published:
- 7th January 2014
- Imprint:
- Butterworth-Heinemann
- eBook ISBN:
- 9780124079250
- Paperback ISBN:
- 9780124078680
About the Author
George Haddow
George Haddow currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Homeland Security Studies program at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. Prior to jpining academia, Mr. Haddow worked for eight years in the Office of the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the White House Liaison and the deputy Chief of Staff. He is a founding partner of Bullock and Haddow LLC, a disaster management consulting firm.
Affiliations and Expertise
Founding partner, Bullock and Haddow LLC; Adjunct Professor, Homeland Security Studies, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
Kim Haddow
Kim Haddow is the president of Haddow Communications in New Orleans – a company specializing in strategic media planning, messaging, and developing research-driven media content, branding and advertising materials for non-profits. Clients have included: the Rockefeller Family Fund, Sierra Club, Make It Right Foundation, U.S. State Department, Public Campaign, and the Trust for America’s Health. Haddow also worked for eight years at Greer, Margolis, Mitchell, Burns (GMMB), a Washington, DC- based media consulting firm, advising political campaigns and non-profits. Haddow began her career at WWL-AM in New Orleans where she managed the news department
Affiliations and Expertise
National Communications Director, Sierra Club
Reviews
"...a must-read for any safety and security professional who is responsible for writing policies and procedures for emergency preparedness or anyone who is in need of a guidebook on communications during a disaster." --Security Management
"This book defines the key elements of disaster communications with a focus on methods to achieve successful communications along with the principles that should carry the communications along." --Shannon Parker, St. Louis University Institute for Biosecurity