This is NOT a good evacuation plan.
Plan for routes that will be clogged with traffic.
Have your Family Communications Plan ready for everyone in your immediate family.
And don’t forget to hydrate.
Hope my Hawaii friends and family have prepared for Hurricane Iselle’s arrival today.
| 14-002: Precise Emergency Messaging | |
| Agency: Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Topic(s): Emergency Messaging |
| Date: Summer 2014 | Platform: General |
Mass notification and public messaging about dangerous inbound weather is the latest hot button topic in emergency management because no matter the location, everyone is susceptible. This year has been especially deadly with numerous tornadoes.
You can argue the use of automatic Emergency Alert System (EAS), Integrated Public Alert & Warning System’s (iPAWS) messages, and public address systems are good enough, but successful delivery still comes down to basic messaging.
On May 25, 2014, this message was put up on the main billboard on the field during the Indianapolis 500, which had 300,000+ fans during race time. The National Weather Service (NWS) declared a Tornado Warning before the start of the race.
Race Fans? C’mon, you have a captive audience at the motor speedway. And you are addressing everyone there, not just race fans. Most likely, your audience is saying “Great, now what is a Tornado Warning?”
Clear and concise messaging is incredibly important because seconds will matter in an immediate evacuation or leading others to shelter…especially with large, open, and unprotected public venues. This particular message was unclear, poorly worded, and definitely not concise.
A more effective messaging and follow-up post should have read:
DANGER! TORNADO WARNING NOW – SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!
Safe SHELTERS are located at AREA X and GATE X
By phrasing it this way:
1. Your message is short, sweet, and to the point.
2. Capital letters will grab the attention of your audience and convey urgency.
3. Have clearly identified safe locations IN CAPITAL LETTERS will assist those reading your message.
4. Shorter messaging could allow your followers to retweet/repost and amplify your emergency messaging.
5. It is still tornado season so make sure you are prepared by having pre-scripted messages on “what is a tornado warning” and messaging on how to “shelter-in-place”.
All concurrent Tweets, Facebook posts, Instagram posts, etc. should reflect this messaging. If a Tornado warning is issued, timing is of the essence. Do not be lax when it comes to emergency messaging because you don’t want to ruin the fun. For the sake of your constituents, it is better to error on the side of safety.
Time is valuable, so post good stuff.
***To download this as a single-page printable format, click this: Safety-PIO-SM-14-001
Why do news reporters still say “tuned in”?
When was the last time you actually turned a dial to adjust your AM/FM radio frequency?
Stay tuned…
Since this is a restricted area, I just asked the commanding officer of the USCG station if I could do the Firefighter cold water challenge here under the Golden Gate Bridge…they said no.
Don’t worry, I’ll keep trying.
Standby-1
@rusnivek
It’s #EMSWeek2014 – Stressing safety to everyone is an important part of our job.
We are seeing more car crashes due to distracted driving. Put down your phone and pay attention to the road. As emergency responders, I would hate to meet you for the first time like this…
Worse yet, we don’t want to get hit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RNn8CBklf4
Distracted driving can injure and kill. Remember, don’t text and drive.
Please, share this message with others and stress the importance of roadway safety.
And again, thank all your first responders for their dedicated service.
@rusnivek
It’s #EMSWeek2014 – Did you know EMS uses many different vehicles/apparatus?
By ground or by air, Emergency Medical Services Professionals care for the sick and injured in so many different ways.
Thank all your first responders for their dedicated service.
@rusnivek
It’s #EMSWeek2014 – Did you know many Firefighters are also Paramedics? Thank your first responders for their dedicated service.
Thank your first responders for their dedicated service.
@rusnivek
Celebrate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week on May 18th – 24th 2014. Numerous communities across the nation, as well as several national events are planned around this year’s theme “EMS: Dedicated for Life.”
Thank all of your Emergency Medical Services Professionals this week. During any crisis or disaster or everyday emergency, these men and women bring emergency care to anyone in need.
Just in 2014 alone, we’ve had numerous school shootings, tornados hit several southern states, a landslide in Washington, wildfires in California, and flooding in Florida. EMS professionals work tirelessly day-in/day-out to assist and support others who are sick or injured. At every call, EMS treats and transports people in their most critical times of need 24-hour a day – dedication, professionalism and commitment.
Each year EMS Week honors the contributions of EMS Professionals throughout the country and stresses the need and importance of strong public support for all our EMS Providers.
Happy National Emergency Medical Services Week!
@rusnivek
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It’s May. Holey moley, it’s May.
For those tracking my whearabouts, I’ll be doing some work/deployment in FEMA Region-9, Region-4, and of course Region-5.
Stay safe and healthy everyone!
@rusnivek
Where is @rusnivek? 