Message from:
Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W.
Administrator, SAMHSA
Since the events
of September 11, 2001, public sensitivity to terror and fear of further
crises have posed unprecedented challenges.
One of those challenges is in how information is communicated
to the public in timely, accurate ways that do not heighten concern
and fear.
Communicating effectively during a crisis takes planning; preparation;
an understanding of communications protocols, messaging and the media;
and the ability to manage the flow of information. Each is a challenge
that can be met effectively, to the benefit of those receiving messages
in times of crisis.
Communicating
in a Crisis: Risk Communications Guidelines for Public Officials
is a brief, readable primer that can help you do just that.
It describes basic skills and techniques for clear, effective
crisis communications and information dissemination, and provides some
of the tools of the trade for media relations. It can help you
prepare for meeting the important responsibility of communicating
with the public both directly and successfully during a crisis.
Additional free copies of this volume (SMA02-3641 Communicating
in a Crisis: Risk Communication Guidelines for Public Officials) can
be ordered online from SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information
Center, or call 1-800-789-2647.
Get
Adobe Acrobat
