Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World

Communications are key to the success of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Accurate information disseminated to the general public, to elected officials and community leaders, as well as to the media, reduces risk, saves lives and property, and speeds recovery. Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World, Second Edition, provides valuable information for navigating these priorities in the age of evolving media. The emergence of new media like the Internet, email, blogs, text messaging, cell phone photos, and the increasing influence of first informers are redefining the roles of government and media.

The tools and rules of communications are evolving, and disaster communications must also evolve to accommodate these changes and exploit the opportunities they provide. Disaster Communications in a Changing Media World, Second Edition, illuminates the path to effective disaster communication, including the need for transparency, increased accessibility, trustworthiness and reliability, and partnerships with the media.

Includes case studies from recent disasters including Hurricane Sandy, the 2011 tsunami in Japan, and the Boston Marathon bombingsDemonstrates how to use blogs, text messages, and cell phone cameras, as well as government channels and traditional media, to communicate during a crisisExamines current social media programs conducted by FEMA, the American Red Cross, state and local emergency managers, and the private sectorUpdated information in each chapter, especially on how social media has emerged as a force in disaster communications

1. Communications: The Critical Function

2. The Changing Media World

3. The "New" Newsroom 

4. Disaster Coverage Past and Present

5. Principles of a Successful Communications Strategy

6. Application of Communications Principles to all Four Phases of Emergency Management

7. Disaster Communications Audiences 

8. How to Adapt to the Changing Media Environment

9. Case Studies

10. Climate Change

11. Communicating During a Public Health Crisis

12. Building an Effective Disaster Communications Capability in a Changing Media World