When it comes to emergencies, it’s not if but when.
We watch in horror as we see the scenes unfolding on our TVs and smartphones of the devastation back east in Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. Hurricanes, tornadoes, massive flooding, power outages, bridge and road wash outs, and other ravages.
In the Pacific Northwest, hurricanes and tornadoes are unlikely, but we, too, need to prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies. Power outages, floods, and even earthquakes and volcanoes can change our lives in a moment of time.
Other events like a large or small illness outbreaks, an unanticipated building closure, or even a cyber threat can spark panic and breed misinformation.
As school leaders, you are responsible to consider the messaging steps you would take if any disruption happened in the normal school day. You are responsible for the safety of your students, teachers, and staff.
We can help you meet that responsibility with confidence.
Plan for future emergencies—now.
It’s not if, but when.
The time to update your emergency communication plans is now. Don’t have one? It’s past time to fix this gaping hole in your continuity of operations.
We’ll help you learn and use tools to prepare for communicating in emergencies. You can gain valuable skills and confidence in understanding the steps your school community will need to take.
If your plans are all tidy and ready to go, congratulations! We can help you rehearse them in tabletop exercises. This practice will help to uncover and close any gaps before you’re in the middle of an incident.
We can even connect you with vital partners in your area so you can build working relationships you will rely on in an emergency.
You may not know what the emergency will be, or when, but the work you put in to prepare now will help you learn how to pivot. The emergency may be something none of us can imagine. Really, who could have imagined COVID? But the preparation will give you a foundation to build on to know the steps you need to take—and keep your school safe.
We are savvy problem-solving communicators. We help organizations plan and prepare for communication emergencies and proactive opportunities.
We develop the plans, training, and support you need to communicate authentically and effectively with your stakeholders. We can help you.