Emergencies occur as a fact of life. There is not necessarily any kind of control over whether the situation occurs, but there is a choice in how crisis management is handled. For an unexpected situation to be handled in a timely and appropriate manner there must be solid channels of communication.
Whether the crisis that must be dealt with is weather-related, a national emergency or incident specific, it is essential to clearly communicate to everyone simultaneously with news and instructions. Depending on the type and size of business this can require contacting hundreds or even thousands of employees all over the world, or a half dozen people at various locations around a city. Whatever the case, there are multiple forms of communication available to address the crisis communication.
What Forms of Communication Are Currently Available?
While notifying the masses in a hurry has long been a challenge, the methods of communication have evolved from the Neanderthal methods of large bells being rung by a person pulling a rope to complex computerized systems that can deliver visual and auditory signals automatically in a moment’s notice. Let’s look at some of the methods currently used:
* Sirens or loud horns – Many municipalities still use sirens and horns as a quick method of notifying the public of weather related issues like tornadoes.
* Cell phones – Cell phones are very quick, but are generally limited to the number of contacts.
* Text messaging – Text messaging has become very popular. While you can reach a small or even large group of people simultaneously, there is no assurance that the recipient will have their phone handy.
* Streaming videos – Streaming videos provide a crisis communication method that allows someone in authority to deliver an audio and video message over computer screens or television monitors.
* Pop-up software – There is software available that will immediately pop up a warning and instructions on the computer screen of all users on a network.
When you decide which, or what combination, of these and other available crisis communication devices to employ there are many things to consider. The locations and work environments of those that will need to be notified is a serious factor. The system that is ideal for a building full of office people glued to computers may not be effective for masses of factory workers involved with loud machinery. The response evoked from a loud siren can be panic, while a calm verbal delivery offering direction and guidance may produce a less chaotic reaction.
Whatever methods you determine to be the most effective and efficient for your situation you will need to ensure that the channels of communication are solid and dependable. A crisis that is complicated by an improperly functioning emergency communication system can result in chaos or even worse. When people’s very lives may be at stake that is not the time to gamble on whether your communication management has been well prepared.
Why Are We Having More and More Crises?
It seems as if nearly every time you watch the news there are numerous reports of various crises all around the community and the globe. The fact of the matter is that you can not go a day without a report of a catastrophe. Things seem to be more and more negative all the time. Why?
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.
The Importance of a Good Emergency Notification System
In an emergency situation it is essential to be able to quickly and effectively communicate with those that will be directly affected. Notification must be given immediately and without delay. For this reason, most effective crisis management plans incorporate multiple crisis communication methods.
