Public information efforts should begin well in advance of an incident or planned event and may involve a combination of planning, resource gathering, organizing, and training and exercises. Public information planning allows for lifesaving measures and public safety information to be coordinated and communicated to diverse audiences in a timely, consistent manner. Public education and citizen preparedness campaigns also contribute to preparing citizens to respond to a variety of hazards they may face.
SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY & PLANNING
During a disaster, social media provides disaster survivors with up-to-the-minute news and life-safety information — road closure updates, evacuation routes, designated help areas, shelter locations, and more. As such, now more than ever before, training must include knowing how to use and respond to social media before a disaster (preparedness), while a disaster unfolds, and after a disaster (recovery).
The use of social media during a disaster is a complex process. Organizational and jurisdictional spokespeople are used to managing the outflow of information through press releases, articles, interviews, and briefings. Now, those jobs include dealing with the inflow of observations, rumors, and questions that bombard the Internet while a crisis is unfolding.
Hagerty developed EMSocialSimulation (EMSS) to help clients practice information dissemination, situational awareness, rumor control, and more. EMSS scenarios allow players to strengthen their skills and build trust among stakeholders in a risk-free, private setting without the worry of misinformation. It provides a customized learning experience with constructive feedback provided in and presented through an after-action report (AAR). Download our EMSS brochure and request a demonstration today!
CITIZEN PREPAREDNESS CAMPAIGNS
Hagerty has developed several multi-media, multi-lingual, large-scale programs in urban areas to make residents aware of how to prepare for and respond in an emergency. The breadth of our experience includes print and online campaigns, outdoor and transit ads, television and radio spots, social media campaigns, and newsletters. We have deep experience working with organizations that serve individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs, including recruiting participants for free training programs to better prepare their clients and consumers for disasters.
The multimedia citizen preparedness campaigns we have developed have been produced in multiple languages, won awards, and reached millions of people in their homes and communities. To learn more about specific campaigns, go to external websites located here and here.
