Malcolm Hafner

The Role of Technology in Managing Crises

When a crisis happens, whether on a local or a global scale, people find out in a hurry. It is phenomenal how fast you can find out about an event that took place on the other side of the world. Often within minutes or even less people are alerted and directed about impending weather, natural disasters, fires, chemical spills, dangerous gunmen, or other crisis. In that situation, few stop to realize the technology behind these communications.

What Has Technology Done to Crisis Communication?

As late as the 1980s and 1990s the limited communication choices were alert sirens, public announcement systems, television and radio broadcasts. Today, technology is offering new and improved methods of communication for crisis management and other uses almost daily. Information can be transmitted in the blink of an eye.

How has technology progressed over the last couple of decades?

* Fax machines
* Emails
* Two way radios
* Cell phones
* Text transmissions
* Wireless computers
* Automated communication via software programs
* Improved software programs almost daily

Today, there is software available and in use that will instantly notify an entire network of computer users over a local or globally connected network of impending danger automatically upon warnings issued by the National Weather Service. This same group of users can be notified manually of other types of dangers.

In addition to this option, it is also possible for a person in authority to sit down in front of a microphone and camera and deliver a personal message and directions to employees in various locations simultaneously. This can be delivered to computer users or a centralized computer screen.

In years past, crises would be announced on the local news as previously recorded. Today, events can be videoed and broadcast live on both television and internet as they happen. Not only that, but technology has made it possible to video events from great distances providing much greater safety to those in the news industry.
 
What Does this Mean for Crisis Management?

This makes it possible to manage a crisis much more promptly. However, with more power comes more responsibility. This means that decisions have to be made on a moment’s notice and excuses are not easily tolerated.

Because technology has eliminated excuses and streamlined communication, it is essential that every company and organization have a clear-cut policy and set of emergency procedures outlined and practiced to be performed seamlessly the minute it is required. The public does not look favorably on those that have neglected the responsibility of implementing these types of technologies and displaying preparedness in the face of a crisis.

For the sake of the public safety and corporate reputation management it is imperative that you research the technologies that are available thoroughly. Employ the services of the professionals that can put these technologically advanced services at your fingertips and help you implement them into your crisis management plan of action.

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