Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World

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.

• 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

Emergency management professionals; security managers; homeland security directors; corporate communications and PR professionals

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