Internal and External Communications

Communications is the most difficult and problematic aspect of any emergency situation. When a business identifies a communication system and platform, there are many more considerations than merely broadcasting a message over a public address system. The content of the message should be considered from the perspective of actionable, educational, or directional information, as well as whether the message can be heard in all corners of the business. The communications platform must consider whether the message is received in the appropriate language and whether the message is accessible to all people at the business who have disabilities or other impediments. The business should also consider multiple platforms, such as social media, cell phones, text messages, websites, television, and closed-captioned ribbon messages. Prescripted messages, approved by the business’s executive and legal staff, are important considerations in protecting the business and its occupants.