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Documents

Anticipated Q&A worksheet
Prepare for questions that the media and the public may ask you during an emergency.
First Message template
Use this template for immediate communications after the onset of an emergency.
Effective Message checklist
Analyze key messages using this checklist before you communicate them to the public.
Message Planning worksheet
Use this planning tool to help you keep your communication strategy focused by:
  • Developing concise key messages and supporting facts
  • Determining target audiences and the most effective communication channels
Sample Message Planning worksheet
This Message Planning Worksheet has been filled out to give you an idea of how to use this tool.
News Release checklist
Make sure that your news release is accurate, clear, and correctly formatted before sending it to a news organization.
News Release template
This template can help you put together a news release quickly.
ERC Pocket Guide
The CDC developed this handy, wallet-sized reference tool to help remind you about the fundamentals of emergency risk communication.
Media FAQ
A list of frequently asked questions for dealing with reporters.
77 Questions Commonly Asked by Journalists During a Crisis
A list of questions compiled by Vincent Covello.
Potential Partners
A list of potential partners to work with during a crisis.
Communication Channels
A table of possible communication channels for specific populations.

Helpful Links

CDC Social Media Tools, Guidelines & Best Practices
These guidelines provide crucial information on lessons learned, best practices, clearance information, and security requirements for social media interactions.
CDC Crisis and Emergency Risk Communcation (CERC)
This page has training materials and also information about CERC for specific emergencies, such as radiation and pandemic influenza.
National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC)
NPHIC is the main organization of public health communication professionals in the U.S. They provide many resources about public health issues, including emergencies and disasters. They have a section of their site devoted to emergency communications in public health.
Peter Sandman Crisis Communication
An expert in crisis communication offers many articles, handouts, and a Q&A board.
Public Engagement
A description of a process used by Public Health - Seattle & King County to engage community leaders about pandemic influenza.
Vulnerable Populations
See Guidance for Integrating Culturally Diverse Communities into Planning for and Responding to Emergencies: A Toolkit for reccomendations on incorporating vulnerable populations into your ERC plan.

References

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    Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) manual
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    Communication, coherence, and collective action: The impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Infrastructure. Public Works Management & Policy. 10 (4): 328-343.
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    Improving risk communication.
    National Research Council.
  • Covello, V., Peters, R., Wojtecki, J., and Hyde, R.
    “Risk Communication, the West Nile Virus Epidemic, and Bio-terrorism: Responding to the Communication Challenges Posed by the Intentional or Unintentional Release of a Pathogen in an Urban Setting”.
    Journal of Urban Health. Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, 2001: 78(2)(June):382-391.
  • Eisenman, David P., Cheryl Wold, Jonathan Fielding, Anna Long, Claude Setodji, Scot Hickey, Lillian Gelberg. 2006.
    “Differences in Individual-Level Terrorism Preparedness in Los Angeles County.”
    American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 30(1): 1-6.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2004).
    National response plan.
    Washington DC: Department of Homeland Security.
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    Risk Perception and Communication
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    Community engagement: Leadership tool for catastrophic health events.
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