Toolkit
The community will want to know answers to the following questions:
- What does the facility do?
- What are the hazards?
- What programs are in place to respond to emergencies?
- How could a site emergency affect the community?
- What assistance will be required from the community?
Media Response
In an emergency, the media are the most important link to the public. Try to develop and
maintain positive relations with media outlets in your area. Consider their particular needs and
interests, and explain to them your plan for protecting personnel and preventing emergencies.
Determine how you would communicate important public information via the media in an
emergency. Designate a trained and an alternate spokesperson. Set up a media briefing area
and establish security procedures. When releasing information to the media, follow procedures
for ensuring that information is complete, accurate and approved for the public. Prepare
background information about your facility so you can control how the media and public perceive
your organization.
When providing information to the media during an emergency, follow these guidelines:
- Give all media equal access to information.
- When appropriate, conduct press briefings and interviews. Give local and national
media equal time.
- Try to observe media deadlines.
- Escort media representatives to ensure their safety.
- Keep records of information released.
- Provide press releases when possible.
- Avoid speculating about the incident.
- Never permit unauthorized personnel to release information.
- Do not cover up facts or mislead the media.
- Refrain from placing blame for the incident.
Local Emergency Information
Gather contact information and response plans from these local services:
- Fire
- Police
- Ambulance
- Hospital
- Poison Control
Have regular meetings with community crisis personnel to review emergency plans and
procedures. Discuss what you are doing to prepare for and prevent emergencies and emphasize
your concern for the community's welfare. When meeting with community crisis personnel,
accomplish the following to foster organization and communication:
- Look for common interests and concerns and identify opportunities for sharing
resources and information.
- Conduct confidence-building activities such as facility tours.
- Involve community fire, police and emergency management personnel in drills
and exercises.
Make sure to meet with your neighbors to determine how you could assist each other in an
emergency. Communication begets organization.
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