Extreme weather conditions now a daily event
Extreme weather conditions now a daily event
Under Pressure 17 November 2023
Extreme weather - a daily event
There have been a whole series of storms that have impacted on the UK and other countries. At the same time we are on volcano watch in Iceland after significant activity was detected. I am not a meteorologist so am not going to try to explain why these things are happening.
The issue is not why these things are happening, although it is one for a longer discussion about climate change. The issue is how prepared and ready we are to deal with the impact of these weather events.
Storm Ciaran, Storm Debi, and the next will be Storm Elin which may hit the UK this weekend. All have brought high winds, significant rainfall and impacts such as flooding, structural damage and landslides. It is clear that we all, as individuals and organisations, need to consider the implications of these weather events.
Communication is critical not just when the weather event is about to happen but in the quieter times when people have an opportunity to get more prepared. It isn’t just about being ready for possible flooding but about considering how we deal with damage to property. We may need to adjust our plans, avoid travelling, stay at home during the storm, and be ready to support those needing help in your community.
On a recent visit to Oslo there was heavy snow on the last day. But the snow ploughs and de-icers kept the airport open. There were plans about how to deal with the impact of snowstorms. This is what we all need to do to be ready for the impacts both small and large of the storms that we are facing.
Last year there was a lot of focus on the possibilities of power outages and this remains a big challenge for communication. We have become so reliant on technology that we can just assume people are receiving messages during an emergency. But we have to be ready with alternatives including going door-to-door, using loud hailers, and using networks.
It is clear that storms, extreme weather and the impact that they bring are things that we must be prepared for and ensure effective communication is ready to put in place.
*To download a copy of Amanda’s document Communicating in the Darkness which looks at points to consider when blackouts happen click here.
Crisis comms and leadership
Leadership that can communicate effectively is an important part of crisis communication. Amanda contributed to a recent article for Headspring Executive Development looking at communication and leadership. Find out more here.
Pets and Disaster Management
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has been promoting advice on how to consider dealing with pets in an emergency situation. Many people rely on their animal companions and at times of stress expect that they can remain together. Response plans, and associated communication plans, need to take this into account and ensure support is in place. Find out more about the issue here.
In Brief:
The Partnership for Countering Influence Operations at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has produced a paper looking at how emergency management concepts can help governments ‘combat efforts to undermine information integrity’ in crises. Find out more here.
A report in Globalisation and Health has proposed nine principles of communication needed for effective emergency risk communication. They correlate with Amanda’s crisis communication principles with the addition of the need to be independent from politics. Find out more here.
Amanda recently spoke at the Emergency Planning Society about the importance of developing the right crisis messaging. For more details of what was covered contact amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk for more information
A recent Forbes article discusses the importance of continued efforts to mitigate crises and how it is an ongoing part of business operations. Find out more here.
The latest edition of Testing Times, the crisis communication case study produced by Amanda, has been published. It considers extreme weather conditions and is available by emailing amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
Cyber issues continue to be a priority for crisis and issues management. The latest business to be hit is Nissan where it experienced an outage in the US and Canada. Nissan did not give details of the reason for the problem. Find out more here.
Extended family members can play a key role in supporting people at times of crisis according to research highlighted by Emory University. It considered the situation around Covid-19. Find out more here.
In a recent blog Amanda looks at the importance of not being risk averse when looking at crisis communication plans. Find out more here.
Diary Dates:
Amanda is discussing her book Everyday Communication Strategies at a book club event arranged by the CIPR North East. It takes place on 30 November in person in Newcastle. Find out more here.
The first training session for 2024 will be on 31 January and looks at Influencing to get results in a crisis. For more information or to book a place on the two hour session email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk