Fujita and Miura Public Relations Kauai, Katrina and Rita Remind Us to Plan for the Worst

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KATRINA AND RITA REMIND US TO PLAN FOR THE WORST

By Jenny Fujita and Joy Miura Koerte, Fujita & Miura Public Relations

Kaua`i businesses have learned from too many past experiences that one can never be too prepared for a hurricane. Americans in the mainland’s southern regions are learning the same lessons with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Every business has a base of people for whom it is responsible, whether it's employees, vendors, customers, or the public at large. As we enter the heart of our hurricane season, we bring you these seven helpful tips to help you prepare for a hurricane from a public relations angle.

Before a hurricane occurs and potential impacts threaten the public and customers, businesses must have a plan. Being proactive can avoid panic and distress in the midst of an emergency. Your plan should include:

(1) An emergency staffing structure. Who will be your company spokesperson(s) and who will develop and implement emergency communications strategies?

(2) A qualified spokesperson. Who knows enough about the business to provide accurate company information? Have they been trained and are they prepared to speak confidently with members of the media?

(3) Employee guidelines. Are your employees aware of what their roles are in an emergency? Do you have a communications process and plan in place that they are familiar with?

(4) Media policy. Do you have a policy on providing statements to the public and news media on behalf of the company?

(5) Sample documents. Are there any emergency communications documents you can prepare ahead of time, like sample news releases and media talking points?

(6) Contact list. Do you have an up-to-date contact list including emergency numbers as well as your business's key customers and vendors? Do you know where all your key staff members will be on hurricane day?

(7) Alternative communications tools. Do you have communications tools to reach your contacts in case the usual ones aren't available? Phone lines and email may not be communications options.

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