Chapter 6: Communication

Chapter Outline

1. Introduction of topics and concepts to be discussed in the chapter.

a. Mission

b. Principles

i. Customer Focus

ii. Leadership Commitment

iii. Inclusion of Communications in Planning and Operations

iv. Information Collection, Analysis and Dissemination

v. Media Partnership

c. Conclusion

2. Case Studies

a. Risk Communication During the Washington D.C. Sniper Crisis

b. The Homeland Security Advisory System

c. A Comparison of Leadership Between Two Outbreaks of Smallpox in the United States: New York City, 1947, and Milwaukee, 1894

3. Additional Sources of Information 4. Glossary of Terms 5. Acronyms 6. Discussion Questions a. General b. Washington, DC Sniper c. Homeland Security Advisory System d. Smallpox Outbreaks 7. Suggested Out of Class Exercises

Introduction

Communications has become an increasingly critical function in emergency management. The dissemination of timely and accurate information to the general public, elected and community officials and the media plays a major role in the effective management of disaster response and recovery activities. Communicating preparedness, prevention and mitigation information promotes actions that reduce the risk of future disasters. Communicating policies, goals and priorities to staff, partners and participants enhances support and promotes a more efficient disaster management operation.

Mission

The mission of an effective disaster communications strategy is to provide timely and accurate information to the public in all four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery

• Mitigation – to promote implementation of strategies, technologies and actions that will reduce the loss of lives and property