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10 o · Develop messages City officials should develop a few clear, simple messages for its stakeholders and the media. These messages should be delivered repeatedly and clearly and by one voice. The messages should demonstrate concern about what is happening and for the people involved, and should explain what the city is doing to solve the problem. · Anticipate difficult questions The crisis team should make a list of all possible tough questions that the media or the public might ask. 8y composing responses to these questions, the spokesperson can be better prepared for interviews and press briefings. · Communicate the message and the facts The facts of the crisis, an official statement and the key message(s) should be communicated to the city's stakeholders. For internal audiences, use broadcast e-mail, broadcast voice mail, the SIBFl homepage, SI8RA homepage, GMCV8 homepage and/or security and safety website, the telephone emergency hotline and local media. Always make sure internal audiences are the first to be informed. For external audiences, use the media by holding press briefings or issuing official statements. The first press briefing or statement should come out within five hours of the event or crisis. c * HRMC suggests putting information regarding hurricanes, a hurricane preparedness checklist, and evacuation information on the SIBFL website all year long for residents to use as a reference. . Identify which mediums are available to communicate your message The time of day, day of the week, whether it's a holiday and whether or not there is a power outage will help determine which methods of communication can be used to communicate the message. · Control the message The city should stick to the facts and to its main messages, thus controlling what information is disseminated. This information should be completely truthful and forthcoming. All "bad" news should be told up-front and all at once; otherwise, it will trickle out slowly and the negative media coverage will continue day after day. · Control the flow of information The crisis communications team should control the flow of information by holding a series of press briefings for the media-weekly, daily, or hourly, depending upon the nature of the crisis. This enables the city to operate in a proactive manner, while providing the media with a timetable for when o 1175 NE 125th STREET. SUITE 618, NORTH MIAMI, FL 33161' Tel. 305.5730882. FAX. 3058952412 howardCCllaohrmccom . WNW aohrmc.com