Latest news with #emergencymanagement
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
What It Takes For Marcom Teams To Navigate Crisis Management
Heather K. Stickler is the Chief Marketing Officer at Tidal Basin Group. In a world where a social media post can shift a stock price and a blog post can spark a global movement, the role of marketing and communications (marcom) teams has never been more crucial. Think of them as first responders in the digital realm, navigating crises and guiding client communications with composure and strategy. After nearly two decades supporting and leading marcom teams in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and emergency management industries, I've seen how crises, whether natural disasters, reputational threats, regulatory pitfalls or high-stakes operational challenges, can unfold without warning and that having a resilient marcom function is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Let's take a look at what makes a marcom team successful. Whether it's dealing with the fallout from a recalled product, managing the repercussions of an executive gaffe or navigating through a PR fiasco, marcom teams should always be ready. The goal is not just putting out fires; it's preventing them from spreading and doing damage. To achieve these goals, four core principles—preparedness, speed, clarity and trust—should remain consistent for marcom teams across all sectors: One thing's for sure: Successful marcoms teams don't just wing it. They're all about preparation. The Public Relations Society of America tells us that having a proactive crisis management plan is essential. An effective crisis management plan involves developing these plans, having regular drills and continuously updating them to adapt to new media landscapes and communication channels, ensuring timely responses. Take this one step further by scenario-planning across multiple 'what-if' contingencies, ranging from cyberattacks to community backlash over controversial programs. Planning for these contingencies is especially crucial in high-stakes sectors like emergency management, where cyberattacks on public infrastructure can be devastating. Also, remember: The best plans don't just live in a binder; they're practiced, pressure-tested and accessible across teams. When crisis strikes, the clock is ticking. A recent HubSpot blog post put it best: 'The first 24 hours often determine how your organization's response will be remembered.' That's when marcom teams need to be fast and accurate with the facts to keep rumors and misinformation at bay and ensure they control the narrative. In my experience in the aftermath of a major disaster, for example, getting ahead of misinformation in the first few hours through social channels, media briefings and SMS notifications can help governments retain public trust as the situation evolves. Consistency and transparency aren't just buzzwords. Sticking to these values helps stabilize situations and preserve trust with clients, investors and the broader public. In professional services—especially in industries like AEC and emergency management, where public trust is paramount—there's little margin for obfuscation. Owning the narrative, even when the news is difficult, can actually strengthen brand credibility over time. Trust is built in those vulnerable moments, not after the dust settles. As Ryan McCormick, co-founder of Goldman McCormick Public Relations, recently explained to The Drum: 'Lack of response feeds more speculation, more speculation feeds more misinformation and before you realize it, there's a rumor going around that started on social media, because of a lack of response.' Beyond their day-to-day roles, marcom teams also often act as in-house agencies, serving as trusted advisors during client crises. Here's what it takes for in-house teams to succeed in this role: In-house teams should view themselves as a bridge between the client and their stakeholders, ensuring that all communications are cohesive and accurately reflect the client's brand voice. They must always be on standby, and they should know the business inside and out to tailor relevant and resonating messages. At my firm, we often serve dual roles, as corporate communicators and crisis advisors. I've found that the key to success is the ability to immediately translate complex regulatory guidance into community-ready messaging. for instance, this can be key when embedded with a county emergency operations center to assist with public outreach after a natural disaster. Having a deep understanding before the crisis happens can accelerate message delivery and improve citizen satisfaction. Whether it's addressing social topics of concern or managing community relations during significant projects, marcom teams must ensure all communications reflect the client's values and effectively address public concerns. This messaging requires more than a savvy writer. It takes a team that can build consensus, read public sentiment and gracefully navigate politically charged environments. Creating content that addresses the crisis at hand and seamlessly ties back into the broader brand strategy is one of the most difficult balancing acts for marcom teams during a crisis. Whether it's press releases, social media updates or direct communications, each piece must add value and bolster the brand's image. This strategic content creation is key to surviving a crisis and emerging stronger on the other side. A crisis is not the time to reinvent your voice; it's the time to reaffirm your values. Thoughtfully crafted messaging should reflect who you are, not just what you're reacting to. Marcom teams are essential players for public and private organizations worldwide. They skillfully manage everything from routine brand awareness to full-blown crisis mitigation. Their ability to react quickly, maintain clarity and tailor communications makes them indispensable. In the sectors where lives, livelihoods and taxpayer trust are on the line, marketers' roles are not just about telling stories; it's about protecting reputations, shaping public understanding and helping communities recover. And that's a responsibility we don't take lightly. Forbes Communications Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
CBC
13-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
City of Calgary offers clarity on the role councillors should play in local emergencies
Social Sharing New updates to Calgary's emergency management plan were designed to offer some clarity about city councillors' role during emergencies. The revisions were presented to council's emergency management committee on Thursday, just over a year after 2024's catastrophic water main break. A state of local emergency was declared after the water main break, and in the wake of the crisis, the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) found better clarity was needed about councillors' role during city emergencies. "There was, to me, lack of clarity or lack of involvement by the associated members of council," said Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong on last year's crisis. Susan Henry, chief of CEMA, told the committee that councillors have a key role to play during emergencies by "being the voice" delivering city messaging to constituents, as well as through using local contacts to assist the city's efforts. Calgary's updated emergency management plan highlights that the role of city councillors includes providing approved messages to ward contacts, using formal and informal community networks to share information and maintain connections with constituent businesses and organizations, and sharing relevant issues with CEMA. "We really put some strong language around the intersection with [councillors] and [their] constituents," Henry said. The mayor has the added responsibilities of representing council to the media and participating in two other disaster groups: the local emergency committee and disaster consultation group. Different emergency groups The local emergency committee, Henry clarified, is made up of the mayor and one designated councillors. It holds the authority to declare, renew or rescind a state of local emergency, and is separate from the emergency management committee, which offers direction and guidance of emergency planning. The newly created disaster consultation group is included in the proposed updates to the act. This group may be convened by the city when additional political and financial guidance is needed, only operating when requested by the director of emergency management. The disaster consultation group's membership varies depending on the emergency, but it may include the mayor, councillors representing wards impacted by the situation and other senior leaders with the city. Politics vs. operations The updated plan also clarifies the distinction between municipal politics and city operations, or what Wong called "undue influence from council members to tell [CEMA] what to do." The plan stipulates that councillors may participate in city media availabilities at the request of the director of emergency management, and that attendance at the emergency site falls outside of their purview unless specifically requested. "It's very, very important in an emergency that we're able to respond … in the best interest of the community quickly, without often a lot of consultation with the political environment," said Henry. "That consultation happens in the emergency operations centre with our 55 agency members, and then we provide a united front forward." The emergency management committee voted unanimously to approve the updated emergency plan. It will be discussed at a regular meeting of city council later this month.
Washington Post
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
As disasters loom, emergency managers say they aren't counting on FEMA
Preparation for the unknown was always in Alan Harris's job description as emergency manager for Seminole County, Florida, where thousands of homes suffered flood damage during Hurricane Ian in 2022. But as hurricane season begins this year, there is a fresh layer of uncertainty to contend with. The Trump administration has declared a desire to reshape a federal disaster response system widely considered to be too complicated and winding, and has already taken steps to upend it.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane season 2025: Know your evacuation zone and when it's time to evacuate
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 with the peak of the season on Sept. 10. The most activity happens between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Hurricane Center. An overheated Atlantic Ocean and a rising La Niña have forecasters predicting a highly active hurricane season, one that could rival one of the busiest years on record. The key to getting through storm season is being prepared. That's why The Palm Beach Post has compiled tips, lists, contact numbers, graphics and maps that should help you prepare for a storm, and, if need be, get through it fine. 🌀 2025 Hurricane Season Guide: Storm preparedness tips, supply list, evacuation zones If a major storm threatens, it could take days to evacuate some areas, especially if the storm is forecast to run parallel along the east or west coast of the Peninsula, hitting several major cities. That means perhaps millions of evacuees could flood highways, causing major backups throughout the state. Authorities work closely with the National Hurricane Center when deciding evacuations, but some storms are hard to forecast. Four days before landfall, Hurricane Andrew was an ill-defined, weak storm far out at sea. Emergency managers don't want motorists stalled in bumper-to-bumper traffic as the hurricane comes ashore. You should not stay home if you live in an evacuation area. Should I go to a hurricane shelter? What to know to make your decision To hone in on a specific area of the county to see what evacuation zone you are in, go here. Palm Beach County has an evacuation zone look-up tool. Here's how to access it. Palm Beach County is asking people who need the special needs shelter to fill out an online application: Make sure your home is as reinforced as possible. Consider the house's condition and whether your family is healthy enough. Make arrangements far in advance. Check again as the storm approaches to make sure your hosts aren't on vacation or renovating. Take some things that you'd take to an emergency shelter. No place in Florida is safe from a storm. It could envelop much of the state or march up the coast and turn toward your destination. In 1995, Erin threatened Miami, and thousands fled to Orlando, where Erin struck. Decide your destination and get a hotel room before you go. Rooms fill quickly. Flying may not be an option. Airports will close well in advance of the storm. Trains will fill quickly and will stop running once conditions deteriorate. Check your car. Fill tank, check tires, fluids and brakes. Get a current map of backup routes. Leave early. If roads are already jammed, go back home or to a shelter. If the storm is 24 hours from landfall or closer, it's too late to try to leave town. Tell someone where you are going. Leave a phone number. Florida's Turnpike: Monitor for the latest details. More evacuation route information: Call 850-414-4100 Call 511: The Florida Department of Transportation offers its free 511 service for travel information and roadway conditions, including road and bridge closures, toll suspensions and major evacuation routes. For more, go to This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: When to evacuate: 2025 hurricane evacuation zones in Palm Beach County
CTV News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Years after it was pitched, Canada is still waiting for a national disaster agency
Smoke filled skies from out of control wildfires in Norway House, Man., Tuesday, June 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski OTTAWA — In 2023, as Canada suffered through its worst-ever wildfire season, the federal government was looking at creating a national disaster response agency. Two years later, the country is again facing another summer of wildfires. There is still no sign of such an agency, though governments are tapping the private sector to help with evacuations. Ali Asgary, a York University professor of disaster and emergency management, said the work to establish a national agency is 'unfortunately … not going as fast as our crises are going.' Public Safety Canada indicated in a media statement the government is still working on it. 'We continue to work closely with Canada's firefighters, as well as municipal, provincial and territorial government officials, to find solutions consistent with our country's unique character to enhance our ability to keep Canadian communities safe,' the statement said. 'We will continue to explore all proposed options and work in collaboration with our partners to enhance our preparation.' In 2023, The Canadian Press reported that discussions on a new approach to natural disasters and other emergencies were well underway and included analysis of the merits of creating a Canadian version of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the United States. Better known as FEMA, the agency is responsible for preparing for, preventing, responding to and recovering from major incidents such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters. It runs a national response co-ordination centre which organizes federal support for major disasters and can deploy teams of doctors and nurses. The consequences of not having a federal agency are being seen in the stress that communities, provinces and emergency management agencies are feeling now, Asgary said. 'We are still in early June,' he noted, adding we still don't know what's going to happen with wildfires through July and August. He said the fire season has already 'overwhelmed us. Imagine when it is getting closer to bigger communities.' Saskatchewan and Manitoba have declared provincewide states of emergency — a move meant to make it easier for governments to co-ordinate resources and support. Most of Canada's current wildfires are burning in those two provinces, where more than 30,000 people have been evacuated. Smoke has drifted as far as Newfoundland and Labrador in the east and Texas in the south. At a press conference on Parliament Hill earlier this week, Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski said 'this wildfire season has started off more quickly and it's stronger, more intense than previous years.' Saskatchewan has seen 243 wildfires so far this fire season; in a typical year the province would see roughly 135. Canadian Armed Forces have been helping with evacuations in Manitoba, where fires have forced more than 17,000 residents out of their homes, mostly in the remote north. The private company Xpera has been involved in emergency response in Manitoba. The company's services include private investigations, helping businesses bring in replacement workers during strikes, and managing evacuations during crises. Robert Garland, the company's vice-president for emergency security management for Eastern Canada, told The Canadian Press the company helped to evacuate 226 people to Niagara Falls and could evacuate around 3,000 in total. Garland said the work was done though the company's contract with Emergency Management Ontario, which extended the contract to Manitoba's Emergency Management Organization. He said 'the offer came from Xpera, with a contract with the provincial and federal partners.' When asked who is paying for the evacuees' accommodations, Garland said that 'the funding comes from the provincial and federal partners. That's a contractual agreement between Indigenous communities and the federal government, Indigenous Services Canada, and in partnerships with obviously Indigenous communities.' Garland did not answer additional email questions about whether the company has a contract with the federal government. A spokesperson for Olszewski referred questions about a federal government contract to Indigenous Services Canada, which did not answer by deadline. Xpera has previously received millions of dollars through federal government contracts for services involving asylum seekers. Daniel Henstra, a professor at the University of Waterloo who researches climate change adaptation and emergency management, said the 'wildfires in Western Canada are huge already and developing so rapidly and the numbers of evacuees are just staggering.' The situation requires a 'massive logistical capacity that the government in Canada itself just doesn't have, and I would doubt that any provincial government would have it either,' he added. 'If in fact there is a contract with Xpera, it means that the scale of the evacuation is such that it's beyond the capacity of even… a behemoth like the Canadian Red Cross.' 'That's pretty significant.' Currently, the federal government only becomes involved in emergency response if a province asks it to step in. Olszewski told reporters that the government has deployed the Canadian Armed Forces to evacuate people in Manitoba and is ready to 'assist Saskatchewan and Alberta should they make formal requests for federal assistance.' While the military has immediate response units that are activated to respond to disasters, former chief of the defence staff Gen. Wayne Eyre previously called on governments to lean less on the overstretched Armed Forces for disaster response. The military's main role in a disaster is to help local officials with logistics, planning and manpower. Asgary said a federal agency could take on various aspects of emergency management, including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The agency could exploit economies of scale for expenses like training or buying emergency system software. Henstra said the federal government should focus on shoring up local response capacity. He noted the government already held a consultation on a pan-Canadian Civilian Response Capacity. He suggested a 'mix of volunteers and professionals who receive money and training from government' who would be 'ready within the community to respond to disasters.' People in those communities have valuable local knowledge and experience and need resources to be able to respond, he said. For instance, they might know that a winter without a lot of snow means a bad fire season is ahead, putting them in a position to take steps like levelling areas to create a fire break. 'But you can't have even the military fly in with a C-130 full of bulldozers. That's just ridiculous, right? You need to have this equipment and experienced operators on the ground.' Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press — With files from Sharif Hassan This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
