Managing media and their questions can be daunting during an emergency. How you handle media presence can also impact public perception and the outcome of the situation. Here’s a guide on what to do if media arrives on-site during an emergency:
- Prioritise the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the emergency.
- Include a media holding statement in your emergency response plan. All staff should be trained on what, when and how to use the statement.
- Designate a spokesperson who is media-trained to handle any questions from the media. This helps to maintain consistency and control over the information being shared.
- Coordinate closely with emergency services to ensure accurate and timely information distribution.
- Develop key messages that address the situation, your organisation’s response efforts, and any actions being taken to mitigate the emergency.
- Monitor media coverage to stay informed about how the situation is portrayed, allowing you to adjust your messaging as needed.
- Respect the privacy of individuals affected by the emergency. Avoid sharing personal details or images without consent.
- Conduct a thorough debriefing to evaluate your organisation’s response efforts.