| Whether the crisis that must be dealt with is | | | | * Streaming videos - Streaming videos provide a |
| weather-related, a national emergency or incident | | | | crisis communication method that allows someone |
| specific, it is essential to clearly communicate to | | | | in authority to deliver an audio and video message |
| everyone simultaneously with news and | | | | over computer screens or television monitors. |
| instructions. Depending on the type and size of | | | | * Pop-up software - There is software available |
| business this can require contacting hundreds or | | | | that will immediately pop up a warning and |
| even thousands of employees all over the world, | | | | instructions on the computer screen of all users |
| or a half dozen people at various locations around | | | | on a network. |
| a city. Whatever the case, there are multiple | | | | When you decide which, or what combination, of |
| forms of communication available to address the | | | | these and other available crisis communication |
| crisis communication. | | | | devices to employ there are many things to |
| What Forms of Communication Are Currently | | | | consider. The locations and work environments of |
| Available? | | | | those that will need to be notified is a serious |
| While notifying the masses in a hurry has long | | | | factor. The system that is ideal for a building full |
| been a challenge, the methods of communication | | | | of office people glued to computers may not be |
| have evolved from the Neanderthal methods of | | | | effective for masses of factory workers involved |
| large bells being rung by a person pulling a rope to | | | | with loud machinery. The response evoked from |
| complex computerized systems that can deliver | | | | a loud siren can be panic, while a calm verbal |
| visual and auditory signals automatically in a | | | | delivery offering direction and guidance may |
| moment's notice. Let's look at some of the | | | | produce a less chaotic reaction. |
| methods currently used: | | | | Whatever methods you determine to be the |
| * Sirens or loud horns - Many municipalities still use | | | | most effective and efficient for your situation |
| sirens and horns as a quick method of notifying | | | | you will need to ensure that the channels of |
| the public of weather related issues like tornadoes. | | | | communication are solid and dependable. A crisis |
| * Cell phones - Cell phones are very quick, but | | | | that is complicated by an improperly functioning |
| are generally limited to the number of contacts. | | | | emergency communication system can result in |
| * Text messaging - Text messaging has become | | | | chaos or even worse. When people's very lives |
| very popular. While you can reach a small or even | | | | may be at stake that is not the time to gamble |
| large group of people simultaneously, there is no | | | | on whether your communication management has |
| assurance that the recipient will have their phone | | | | been well prepared. |
| handy. | | | | |