Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World

Communications that supports disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery by disseminating accurate information to the general public, to elected officials and community leaders and the media reduces risk, saves lives and property, and speeds recovery. No longer an afterthought or a luxury, communications is now as important as logistics or the pre-deployment of materials. Planning and controlling the flow of information before, during, and after a disaster will define your agency's credibility, trustworthiness, authority and effectiveness.

The Internet, e-mail, blogs, text messaging, cell phone photos and the role played by "first informers"--witnesses who now have the ability to transmit information immediately from the event--are redefining the the media landscape.

The government's historical role as gatekeeper is now an anachronism, and traditional media's role as the sole conduit of reliable and officially sanctioned information has been eclipsed.

The goals, the values, and the underlying principles of effective disaster communication have not changed: transparency, increased accessibility, trustworthiness and reliability. Creating partnerships with the media must be integrated with the practical ability to convey information clearly.