QuickClear QuickCommunication

Theresa Pollick, ODOT, District Two

Anne R. Ralston, Staff Lieutenant Ohio State Highway Patrol

John Altman, Staff Lieutenant Ohio State Highway Patrol

• Preparing agency staff and developing a good relationship with media starts before the actual crisis occurs.

• An agency media crisis team has to be formed, agency plans have to be developed and a policy must be in place.

2

Before a Crisis

• Public Safety agencies should stabilize the crisis situation before responding to media requests.

• Release of information to the media starts at the discretion of the commanding officer.

3

At the Onset

• Be prepared to say something, even before you know all the facts. Often the media will come at you before you have all the facts.

• Key Points:– Public Safety?– What happened?– What are you doing about it?

4

At the Onset

• Secure the scene and establish a media staging area. – This area should be established in

the first 30 minutes.– Allow enough room for media

trucks.

• Work together to designate a media spokesperson

5

Initial Planning

• Cooperate with the media – Local media – The reporters that you are probably

most familiar with• Be sure to establish a positive relationship with

these reporters.– Regional media – Reporters from 100-200 miles away.– National media – Don’t panic or make changes to the

way you are handling the crisis when they arrive.

6

During the Crisis

• “A news story can progress from local to national interest and there is a way to effectively respond to and manage the information flow associated with each level.” 7

During the Crisis

• Conduct periodic news conferences, audio or video tape each conference.– Announce time for subsequent

media briefings.• Conduct public safety

responsibilities first - maintain your timetable, not the media’s.

8

During the Crisis

QuickClear & Media 3 C’s

1. Connect2. Control

3. Content

CONNECT

Connections

CONTROL

CONTENT

Message Math: The Rule of Three

Why the rule of three?

3 messages delivered 3 times = Memorable9 messages delivered 1 time = Forgettable

Use this format for each of your 3 key messages

Don’t…Do…The Do’s and Donts

• Say “no comment”• Go off the record• Take an interview cold/on the

fly• Repeat a negative comment or

question

• Act friendly toward the reporter• Maintain eye contact• Project command of your

messages with confidence and passion

• State your campaignname often

• Always end on a positive note• End with a call to action for the

audience

Summary• Establish Connections prior to incidents• Control the Situation –

PUT THEM IN THEIR PLACE!• Content – simple clear 10 seconds!

• The ramp from northbound I-75 to westbound I-475 in Perrysburg will remain closed through at least Thursday, September 19 at 9am due to an accident.

• • Suggested alternate route: US 20; southbound I-75; westbound I-475• • At the time of this release, crews continue to remove heavy machinery involved in the accident. The

machinery is used to crush asphalt and or concrete and weighs approx. 105000 pounds. • • ODOT crews have assessed the condition of the ramp and will make repairs as soon as possible. Work on

ramp will include: • replacement of 225 feet of guardrail• minor pavement repair • minor shoulder repair • • Expect delays in this area, especially during the Thursday AM commute. Motorists are reminded to seek an

alternate route or allow extra time if they use this ramp tomorrow morning. • • • ###

Did You Know?

Questions?