Chaos & Communications: Management of Issues, Crises and Disasters

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Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the first of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues.

Listen For:
01:15 - From Practitioner to Author
11:27 - The Role, Skills and Practice of a Public Information Officer
20:30 - Communications is Two-way or It's Not Communications
28:04 - Evolving as a PIO

Connect with Doug Levy
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It was the year 2008. Newspapers, local and provincial/state broadcast TV news, and radio news dominated the media landscape. Misinformation wasn't a word that was used.

These are the stories of the before times. When coordinating more news media was easier than responding, developing, coordinating, producing, and posting media on all channels.

Listen For:
03:55 - Size Up with the Incident Commander
08:04 - A Memorial to News Media
13:57 - Perspectives from Responders and Residents
18:33 - Top Lessons 

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How do you handle the unexpected when the stakes are at their highest?  

Tim sits down with Shawna Bruce to break down the critical differences between a crisis communications plan and a full-fledged program. 

Recorded live at the 2024 Canadian Emergency Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Convention in Ottawa, the conversation dives deep into the importance of preparedness, flexibility, and teamwork in crisis management.  

Whether navigating social media pitfalls or leading a military response, Shawna and Tim explore what it takes to stay ahead of chaos. 

Listen For:
06:07 - The Rarity of Proper Crisis Communication Programs
12:29 - Crisis Communications: Then vs. Now
16:39 - Viral Crisis: A Mayor’s Social Media Misstep
25:03 - Leveraging Proven Practices in Crisis Response 

Guest: Shawna Bruce
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Ever wonder what it takes to be the calm in the storm during an emergency?  

Tim talks with Dorit Mason, an expert in emergency planning and operations. They look at the critical role of planners in emergency operations centres (EOCs), recalling their experiences managing wildfire evacuations in 2017.  

Mason shares insights on the characteristics of a great planner, the importance of personal preparedness, and how effective communication plays a vital role in crisis management.  

They discuss the essential traits required for those working in EOCs and reflect on the camaraderie and humor that keep emergency teams going through the toughest times. 

Listen For:
02:48 Importance of EOCs
08:21 The Synergy Between Planning and Communication
14:31 Volunteering Safely During Earthquakes
21:26 What Earthquake Planning Teaches Us 

Connect with guest: Dorit Mason
LinkedIn | Public emergency preparation and recovery - Province of British Columbia  

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Is building an emergency program a matter of simply responding to crises, or does it require something more?  

In the final episode of the two-part series, host Tim Conrad talks with Steph Masun about the vital role of community, communication, and adaptability in emergency management.  

With years of experience in the Cariboo Regional District's emergency program, Steph shares insights into the creation and continuity of an effective emergency response, emphasizing the importance of building a legacy, nurturing relationships, and continuous improvement.  

From floods to fires, to landslides, learn how communities and emergency professionals can work together to navigate the unpredictable landscape of crisis management. 

Listen For:
04:01 - Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement
12:50 - The Challenges of Managing Multiple Disasters
25:40 - Recommended Resources for Emergency Management Learning
30:04 - Maintaining Mental Wellbeing During Crisis Response 

Guest: Stephanie Masun
LinkedIn

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How do you rebuild communities after wildfires, floods, and chaos?  

Emergency management expert Stephanie Masun dives deep into the challenges of post-disaster recovery in British Columbia's Cariboo Regional District.  

From the devastation of the 2017 wildfires to multi-year recovery programs, they share powerful lessons on teamwork, community resilience, and emergency management. 

Listen For:
05:20 - Patchwork recovery: Different challenges in each community
14:44 - The challenge of sustaining energy in recovery efforts
20:57 - Staffing challenges in emergency management
22:45 - Recognizing and supporting team members during recovery 

Guest: Stephanie Masun 

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Disaster communications isn’t just about fighting fires – it’s about connecting communities amidst chaos.

In this episode, host Tim Conrad discusses the intense challenges and strategies behind managing public relations during the 2023 British Columbia wildfire season.

Guest Jan Enns delves into her own experiences with evacuation and loss, while highlighting the critical importance of mental health for responders and residents.

Together, they share valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities of crisis communications, emphasizing the power of empathy, community engagement, and resilience.

Listen For:
06:30 - The Butterfly Effect Explained
14:51 - Developing a Crisis Strategy Amid Chaos
18:40 - Navigating the Meta News Ban
25:03 - The Mental Health Impact on Responders

See the graphics and documents discussed in this episode
Documents and images

Guest: Jan Enns
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Can strategic planning and empathy transform chaos into order?

In this episode, Tim Conrad introduces Michele Toma, an information officer with expertise in research, analytics, and crisis communication strategies.

They recount their experiences during the devastating 2023 British Columbia wildfire season, highlighting the importance of humanity, empathy, and meticulous documentation in managing crises.

Michele shares her insights on strategic planning, stakeholder relations, and the critical role of business continuity plans.

Their discussion underscores how turning negative feedback into opportunities for improvement can significantly enhance crisis response and communication efforts.

Listen For:
06:47 - Documentation and Accountability
15:04 - Empathy in Crisis Management
20:08 - Business Continuity Planning Essentials
27:54 - Turning Negatives into Opportunities

Guest: Michele Toma
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In the eye of the storm, communication is key.

In this episode, Tim Conrad and Kendra Stoner discuss the high stakes of emergency communication.

They discuss the challenges and rewards of managing emergency operations centres (EOCs) during British Columbia's intense 2023 wildfire season.

Kendra highlights the importance of effective communication, maintaining public trust, and the emotional resilience required for this demanding work.

The episode underscores the critical role of preparation, strong team dynamics, and the personal commitment needed to support communities in crisis.

Listen For:
03:14 - The Hybrid EOC Challenge
06:02 - Overcoming Burnout in Emergencies
11:37 - Personal and Professional Detachment
22:36 - The Importance of Preparation

Guest: Kendra Stoner
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From the frontlines of wildfires to the heart of communities.

This episode dives deep into the gritty realities of disaster communications. Tim Conrad interviews Lloyd Piehl, an experienced information officer, about their harrowing yet impactful experiences during the 2023 British Columbia wildfire season.

Lloyd shares compelling stories of working closely with firefighters and community members, illustrating the emotional and mental toll of such crises.

Their discussion covers the importance of public outreach, mental well-being, and the therapeutic role of art in processing trauma. Piehl's unique approach to healing through Lego art therapy provides a fascinating insight into coping mechanisms for those in high-stress environments.

Listen For:
02:34 - Life in the Firetruck
09:37 – The Reality of Disaster Zones
11:23 - The Importance of Public Outreach During Disasters
18:31 - From Anger to Healing: Transforming Community Emotions

Guest: Lloyd Piehl
 Instagram

Connect with Tim Conrad, APR
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Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.