Now, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ve all faced some crazy situations in our lives. Remember that time your kid got lost at the amusement park? Or there was a tornado warning, or a flood? Crises come in all shapes and sizes, and it\u2019s important to identify the risks you might face so you can respond appropriately.<\/p>\n
Creating a Crisis Communication Team<\/h4>\n
Let\u2019s talk teamwork. In my family, we\u2019ve all got our roles. I am the organizer, my husband is the runner, and my kids have assignments to deal with pets, grab-and-go bags, etc. Who\u2019s who in your household? Designate your roles and responsibilities in advance.<\/p>\n
And don\u2019t forget to pick a spokesperson! It\u2019s much easier to have one person relay information to worried friends or relatives than having everyone calling and texting different information to different people.<\/p>\n
If you are single, or live alone, you can still have a team!<\/p>\n
Developing Key Messages<\/h4>\n
Do you remember that time when a little one scraped their knee and wouldn\u2019t stop crying? What did you say to calm them down? Simple, soothing words. The same goes for crisis communication. Craft messages in advance that are simple, easy to understand and address the immediate concerns.<\/p>\n
\nSample Scenario<\/strong>: Your area is under a severe weather warning, and a hurricane is headed your way…<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Key Message 1<\/strong>: Safety First: “Hey, our top priority is your safety. Please stay indoors, away from windows, and in the most secure part of the house. We’ve got plenty of supplies, and we’ll ride this storm out together.”<\/p>\n
Key Message 2<\/strong>: Status Update: Keep your radio or communication source on for updates. Remember to charge your phones and stay connected. “As of now, the hurricane is expected to make landfall within the next 12 hours. We’re closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.”<\/p>\n
Key Message 3<\/strong>: Emergency Contacts: “Here are the emergency contacts we have handy to reach whom we need when we need”:<\/p>\n
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- Local Emergency Services: [Phone Number]<\/li>\n
- Out-of-town Relative: [Relative’s Name and Phone Number]<\/li>\n
- Neighbors: [Neighbor’s Names and Contact Info]<\/li>\n
- In-Case-of-Emergency (ICE) Contacts in Your Phones: [ICE Contact Names and Numbers]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Key Message 4<\/strong>: Family Reassurance: “Kids, we know this can be scary, but we’re here with you. We’ve prepared for this, and we’re going to stay safe together. We’ve got board games, snacks, and your favorite stories to keep us entertained.”<\/p>\n
Key Message 5<\/strong>: Evacuation Plan (if applicable): “In case the situation worsens and we need to evacuate, we have a plan in place. We’ll pack our essentials, secure the house, and head to [Evacuation Location]. If that changes, all of us will know.”<\/p>\n
Key Message 6<\/strong>: Post-Storm Check-In: “After the storm passes, we’ll conduct a safety check before anyone ventures outside. Please wait for the all-clear signal before moving around. We’re in this for the long haul, and your safety is our priority.”<\/p>\n
These key messages provide crucial information, reassure family members, and ensure everyone is on the same page during a hurricane. Remember to adapt your messages to fit the specific crisis you’re facing, and always keep them clear and concise.<\/p>\n
Communication Channels<\/h4>\n
Nowadays, we’ve got a multitude of ways to stay connected: phones, social media, and good old-fashioned face-to-face communication. Make a list of all the tools you can use and establish an emergency contact list. That way, you won’t be scrambling for numbers when you need them most.<\/p>\n
Here’s a list of common communication channels to consider including in your household crisis communication plan:<\/p>\n
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