1st Edition

Mass Notification and Crisis Communications Planning, Preparedness, and Systems

By Denise C. Walker Copyright 2012
    550 Pages 51 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Mass communication in the midst of a crisis must be done in a targeted and timely manner to mitigate the impact and ultimately save lives. Based on sound research, real-world case studies, and the author’s own experiences, Mass Notification and Crisis Communications: Planning, Preparedness, and Systems helps emergency planning professionals create a crisis communications plan that works by establishing upfront relationships with responders, enacting protocols, and utilizing technology to effectively message the intended audience.

    Providing communication best practices to professionals, the book:

    • Reviews the challenges organizations face with communications in the face of various types of disasters
    • Helps to outline the target audience of the communiqué
    • Describes different communication techniques used throughout history during peace and wartime
    • Provides methods for getting the right message across the first time
    • Explores how social media can be a powerful tool in message dissemination
    • Examines the legal landscape to ensure managers are in compliance with international, federal, state, and local regulatory requirements

    Aligned with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Emergency Communications Plan—as well as the U.S. strategic plan to improve emergency response communications—the book provides recommendations to key decision makers given all considerations that must be weighed and factored in during a crisis.

    History of Communications
    Disaster Communications—Two-Way Conversations
    Dynamics of Communications and Concepts of Operations
    Challenges to Effective Communications
    Changing Realities in Emergency Communications
    Emergency Communications Framework
    A Crisis Occurs … Now What?
    International, Federal, State, and Local Laws, Regulations, Systems, Plans, and Structures
    Ripple Effect of Social Media and Social Networking
    Solutions—Some Solutions Are Better than None
    Learning Your Systems Requirements
    Picking a Solution That Fits
    Effective Communication Plans
    Getting the Message Right the First Time
    Prepare to Prosper
    Conclusions
    Appendix A: List of Acronyms
    Appendix B: Sample Mass Notification System Activation and
    Criteria Guidance Sheet
    Appendix C: Sample Messages
    Appendix D: List of Questions to Ask a Vendor before You Buy
    Appendix E: Sample Social Media Strategy
    Appendix F: Emergency Call Numbers
    Glossary
    Additional Resources
    Index

    Biography

    Denise Chatam Walker, Ph.D. is the Chief Emergency Management Officer for the Lone Star College System in The Woodlands, Texas.