Helping the Public "Find Bigfoot": How Intergovernmental Collaboration Can Clear the Clutter During a Crisis

For the public, getting clear, accurate information during a disaster can be as difficult as getting Bigfoot to hold still for a high res photo. Unfortunately, the local government entities can contribute to the problem with conflicting information, slow response times and lack of communication with other agencies. The result is that our credibility is damaged and they tune out.

The answer? Collaboration, both internal and external. Join NAGC President Glen Thomas for a look at how collaboration can help government communicators paint a clear picture for their constituents. Thomas will provide tips for both large and small organizations, drawing on his own experience as the supervisor of communications and public relations for Memphis Light, Gas and Water. The webinar will cover:

• Crisis communications strategies
• Collaboration at the departmental, internal and external levels
• Identifying the attributes of an effective crisis communications team
• Understanding how many people and how much time should be allocated per person during a crisis
• Defining the triggers that should mobilize the crisis communications personnel
• Establishing drills that provide opportunities for the team to learn to respond to a crisis in real time
• Developing your plan in 60 minutes or less
• Case studies from Memphis/Shelby County