Rise in Disasters: Technological Advances Altering Communication - Essay Sample

Introduction

Disasters have been on the increase since time immemorial mostly due to growth of urbanization, population and complex forms of technologies. There have also been a rise in global terrorism and the rise of infectious diseases like plagues and cholera, among others. As such, some parties have a relevant function of distributing information concerning terrorism, natural disasters and others initiated by people. It is also necessary to note that technological advances have altered the way communication teams distribute information to members of the public when there is a crisis. The primary source of information has changed from traditional media such as radio and television to tablets and smartphones. They enable immediate access to digital and social media platforms. It is, nonetheless, necessary to note that the use of social media to communicate can have detrimental impacts. Specific steps should be taken by the director of media relations to form useful media relations capability. A successful media relation can be formed by having a media plan, forming a link with them, train employees in crisis communications and forming a media briefing area.

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One of the factors for a successful media relations campaign is to have a media plan. The main component of a successful media campaign is to have a media plan. It should comprise guidelines on the way, time and even individuals selected to talk with the media, residents, families, surrounding community and also the employees. Every worker should be aware of the authorized spokesperson and how they contacted. The presence of strong media plans will ensure that the organization handles any emergency, preserve life and even property and even improve its reputation in the public realm.

It is also necessary to develop a relationship with the media as it will give the company various relevant benefits that offset the assistances of denying them access. Forming an affiliation with the media further ensures that an organization has a chance to provide all the vital information gathered concerning a disaster. As such, this is relevant since sometimes, the spokesperson of the company can give available background information that may further offer a different perspective on the disaster. Additionally, forming a rapport with the media may hinder reporters from looking for secondary sources that are typically less informed and more likely to misrepresent the firm and the disaster management process (Shittu et al., 2018). Based on this analysis, the disaster management firm should provide an accurate report of the situation than leave the reporter to find another informed source as it can result in speculation and misinformation. In this way, the response and recovery process will be undertaken smoothly.

On the other hand, it is crucial to train workers in crisis communications. For a successful media relations campaign to be achieved, it is relevant to prepare the workers. It will be appropriate for the director of media relations to prepare his or her team effectively. When there is an honest engagement with the workers, it will boost better comprehension of the situation and ensure that the workers support the entire process as well (Collins et al., 2016). Moreover, questions and concerns raised by workers concerning the response and recovery of a crisis should be responded effectively. In this way, they will also offer the right information to the media when needed. It is also crucial to note that employees have a vested interest in working with the management to ensure there are a response and recovery of a disaster. They will also be eager to promote the information obtained and ensure that it is transmitted in the right way during a campaign (Shittu et al., 2018). It is thus fundamental for the management to guide employees as they seek to speak for the organization. The element of empowering personnel to take charge when there is a crisis that generates valuable communication allies is vital. In this way, the main message will be reinforced internally and to the community as well.

Another crucial element that would ensure that a successful media relations campaign is establishing a media briefing area. The media is usually the most relevant connection to the public in any form of disaster. As such, it is fundamental to form and maintain positive relations with local media outlets. It is essential to consider their needs and interests adequately. Also, the determination on how to communicate relevant public information through the media in an emergency or disaster is a crucial element of planning. It is also vital to note that when working with the media, speculation about the media should not be done concerning the incident or even permit unauthorized workers to give out information (Gustin, 2014).

Part Two

A.

The team member chosen to work within the response team should ensure to specify duties of all workers when there is an emergency. He or she should ensure that they can perform under pressure. When there is a disaster, it is essential to note that the response and recovery will push everyone to their limits. As such, a person who cannot perform under pressure will break, and it will be unfavorable to the team. It is essential for him or her to be level headed and eliminates their emotions from the situation to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

On the other hand, it will be fundamental for the team member to communicate clearly and effectively. The person will have to be called at some point to address an audience and share information concerning the crisis. When he or she lacks proper communication skills, it will harm the entire mission of the team. Therefore, they must have leadership skills and be capable of communicating a robust message to the whole team.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that a team has all the strengths and weaknesses, and it is relevant to work as a team and design the best plan and solution. Also, any team member irrespective of their skills will be working against the team when they cannot operate with the team. Thus, for the best results to be attained, it will be essential to ensure that all the team members are focused and working towards achieving the same goal. It will also be relevant to advise the member within the response team always to be aware of where they can get all the information for their team when the need arises. Additionally, they should ensure that every risk and effect has been addressed and even considered and further consider the overall impact and comprehend when other issues have been prioritized.

B.

When forming communication channels between the response team and external parties such as FEMA, it is essential to support an efficient tactical practicable and interoperable video, voice and even information structures. All this will be necessary for the federal emergency response teams. Also, the team member should ensure that they identify and document mission-critical disaster emergency communication and evidence structures competencies. Other elements that will be crucial in this case include requirements, resolutions and modification tactics. It will also be relevant to develop efficient command and control communications backgrounds. In this way, it will be easier for FEMA, for instance, to follow up on the relevant details regarding the disaster. The team member in charge should further support the organization and delivery of secure communication solutions. The objective here will be to ensure that there are no or minimal errors in the information gathered to enable the federal government to make an effective decision.

One of their main aims should be to reinstate operability and attain rapid positioning communications that will be used by other parties during operations. For this to be achieved, it is fundamental to have a promptly deployable and interoperable as well as commercial equipment that will offer a background for connectivity among various external parties such as federal and local authorities among others. As such, this form of transformational capability should enable decision-makers at all government levels to have accurate and complete information that they can employ to assess the courses of action.

On the other hand, they should ensure that they adhere to the entire protocols outlined for disaster response and recovery. In this way, they will not create issues with the management of the other external party, and any information they offer will be prioritized in the process of response and recovery. The aspect of adhering to protocols during the establishment of communication channels between the response team and external parties further makes it easier for all the parties to communicate. As such, all the data gathered collected will be implemented to make the process of response and recovery smooth and effective.

Conclusion

The critical factors that would depict a successful media relations campaign during a disaster have been explored. It has been observed that it is relevant to form a relationship with the media, have a media plan and train other response and recovery employees. Active engagement with workers will promote a better understanding of the situation and further ensure that the entire process is being supported. The presence of media briefing area is also vital since they are the most critical link to the public in any disaster. Also, the aspects that should be considered when one is managing communication channels have been discussed. Proper communication clearly and effectively is relevant. When forming communication channels with external parties, it is vital to support an effective tactical operable and interoperation information systems, video and voice.

References

Collins, M., Neville, K., Hynes, W., & Madden, M. (2016). Communication in a disaster-the development of a crisis communication tool within the S-HELP project. Journal of Decision systems, 25(sup1), 160-170.

Gustin, J. (2014). Disaster & Recovery Planning A Guide for Facility Managers (2nd ed.). Hoboken: CRC Press.

Shittu, E., Parker, G., & Mock, N. (2018). Improving communication resilience for effective disaster relief operations. Environment Systems and Decisions, 38(3), 379-397.