12 winter storm crisis communication tips
What you should be prepared to do and communicate as winter storms approach.
A working crisis communication plan and good media training skills will be essential for your organization as bad weather looms.
Before severe winter weather gets to you—if it hasn’t done so already—you should begin managing the expectations of your customers and employees. Many of you will experience power outages that could last up to two weeks. Let your customers and employees know this through effective communications today, being clear about the pain, problems, and predicaments they might face.
Do not sugarcoat the news
Tell people exactly how bad things might get. Make sure your messaging is direct and simple. Deliver the headline, a good synopsis, and then details. Write your communications the same way a reporter would write a news story. Don’t overwhelm your audience with corporate jargon, acronyms, and politically correct phrases that might be confusing.
Do not hedge your bets with optimism
You are better off to tell audiences what the worst might be and then be happy if the worst-case scenario does not come to pass. It is easier to celebrate good news than to apologize for a situation that drags on and gets worse.
Be ready to use every means of communication available
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