1. The Role of Communications in an Emergency

2. The role of communications in an emergency is the same one it fulfills every day…..
…..to connect and inform.

3. …and it begins with a preparedness plan.
The role of communications in an emergency starts long before an emergency occurs….
…and it begins with a preparedness plan.

4. Your preparedness plan can help to be ready to communicate in several different types of emergencies.
Weather-related / natural disasters
Medical emergencies
Security issues
Property damage
Events affecting parishioners and/or clergy

5. Try and think through any type of emergency your parish might face, and what you’ll need if they occur:
Who will be involved in the response?
What channels will you use to share information?
How (and when) will you let folks know the plan?

6. There are two broad categories to emergencies:
Those you see coming
Those you don’t

7. Those you “see coming” are the easier of the two.
You have time to prepare
You can share out information to get others prepared
Let folks know where and when you will share information
Share helpful tips to help prepare and resources that might be needed after

8. When emergencies take you by surprise, this is where your preparedness plan shines.
Just put it into action!

9. Best practices Fulfill what you say you’ll do (and when you’ll do it)
Keep it short
Encourage “rally calls” between response team members

10. Other thoughts….
It’s not necessarily your job to put a preparedness plan together, but you should be part of the communications planning
Your plan may not include everything you need in a given situation, but it will have most of it
Make sure contact information is updated regularly
Share it!
Stick to it.
Don’t forget post-emergency communications

11. Questions?