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Emergency Risk Communication (ERC) Plans

Build Relationships in Advance

Think back to the video of the unfolding crisis. In the face of such an event, the public needs an immediate response from public health. But what if that response is significantly delayed because the agency:

  • Doesn’t know who should speak to the media
  • Isn’t sure what information is cleared for release
  • Doesn’t have fact sheets ready to go
  • Can’t provide social media updates or issue a press release because the internet service went down

You can prevent this worst-case scenario if you have an Emergency Risk Communication plan in place. It serves as an immediate guide to all the tools, information, resources, and personnel you will need to communicate effectively during a crisis.

What’s in an ERC plan?

By referring to your ERC plan, you and your team will immediately know the following information:

Protocols and procedures
What needs to get done and who will do it, and who has decision-making authority
Logistics
What you need to execute the plan
Identification of response partners and media
Who will be working with you to get communications out and how you will contact them
Event-specific message and delivery plans
What key information your audiences need and how you will get it to them

Once you’ve made your ERC plan, don’t just file it away until a crisis hits. Continually update your plan and use it whenever you have emergency preparation drills or practice.