Effective Public Communication Following Emergencies

Understanding the risk environment and educating across the prevention, preparation, response and

recovery spectrum

Campbell Darby DSC AMDirector General

Emergency Management Australia

ContextA social contract between Governments and

their societyChallenges of the “Information Age” and the

social media landscapePublic expectationsIn complex crises how do we service the

requirements levied by differing events, audiences, outcomes, and expectations.

Australian Strategies• National Strategy for Disaster Resilienceo Risk information to

enable better decision making at all levels

• Consistency in leadership messages, warnings and preparatory advice

• Education programs

• Multi layered communications

Some Takeaways

Be prepared to sell the hard messageUse verbal picturesRefresh the messages regularlyOnce you have the credible spokesperson who

connects with the public – hang onto themOnce in the media space – fill it and stay there

(there are multiple information sources for the public – understand them)

Information will be out there – work with that and value add to join up the pieces

Risk education during the peace – will ease your task during the crisis.

Thank You