Welcome back GVP listeners. Michelle here. In our latest episode, we dove deep into a topic that resonates with everyone in media and communications for local government—emergency preparedness and response.
Emergencies are Inevitable. Can your city handle a crisis?
While we'd like to do everything in our power to prevent them, every community faces unexpected emergencies. The question is, how prepared are we to help residents quickly when something unexpected happens? Furthermore, how can we use video and other telecommunication tools to communicate crucial information swiftly and efficiently? This week, we explored these questions alongside Mike Wassenaar, President and CEO of the Alliance for Community Media.
We kicked off the conversation by catching up with Wassenaar's recent activities in the Twin Cities, where he's been engaging with a new generation of leaders eager to innovate in community media. This discussion naturally segued into a broader conversation about how the local media play a pivotal role in emergencies.
Wassenaar shared fascinating insights into how different communities—from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota to as far away as Maui—have successfully leveraged local media channels to enhance public safety communications. From local radio stations serving as vital information hubs to video content that guides residents to safety, we hear real examples of how local governments are dealing with crisis communication.
What are the actual steps to implementing a crisis communication plan?
But this episode wasn't just a showcase of success stories. We delved into the nuts and bolts of building trust and maintaining transparency with communities through media. Wassenaar emphasized the importance of not only providing information, but also proactively building relationships with residents and community partners before an emergency strikes.
What's more, we discussed the innovative ways that communities across the United States are delivering information, from traditional PSAs to modern digital platforms that push critical updates directly to residents' inboxes or smartphones. The aim? To ensure that no one is left uninformed when it matters most.
For all the media managers, community leaders, and public safety officers listening, this conversation is a treasure trove of strategies, examples, and ideas that can be adapted to your own community needs. Whether you're looking to enhance your existing emergency communication systems or just starting to think about your approach, don't miss this episode of the Government Video Podcast.
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