Partnering

It is essential that all agencies work together to "speak in one voice" to avoid delivering public messages that are inaccurate or contradictory. Both inaccurate information and delays in communication will likely result in the acceleration of rumors, loss of public confidence and increased anxiety, and possibly overwhelm first responders with concerned citizens or even cause civil unrest. Establish a network of community partners communication contacts.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER AN EVENT

This checklist can help guide communication action steps during the planning process.

Before

1. Are you developing credibility and trust with the public and news media?
2. Are you developing a working relationship with key audience groups, including the media, volunteers, elected officials, first responders, public information officers, hospitals and community organizations?
3. Have you recorded informational messages in multiple languages?
4. Do you have fact sheets on diseases and bioterrorism agents available in multiple languages?
5. Have you held orientation meetings with news media to brief them on their role in a public health emergency?

During

1. Are you communicating with the public using messages that are simple, consistent and credible? Are these messages written at a 6th grade (or lower) level of comprehension?
2. Do you have a telephone bank assembled to handle public inquiries?
3. Have you enhanced your website to include frequently updated information and instructions?
4. Are you committed to regular communication?

After

1. Are you communicating with the public using messages that are simple, consistent and credible? Are these messages written at a 6th grade (or lower) level of comprehension?
2. Do you have a telephone bank assembled to handle public inquiries?
3. Have you enhanced your website to include frequently updated information and instructions?
4. Are you committed to regular communication?