This article, which recently appeared in StateScoop, discusses the value for public safety agencies in having a formal, written crisis communications plan to avoid being caught off-guard when a crisis strikes. While many agencies have a traditional continuity of operations plan in place, many do not have a crisis communications plan, which public safety leaders describe as being more flexible and robust than regular crisis communications plans.
The article features insights from Christy Williams, director of the North Central Texas Emergency Communications District, Dana Wahlberg, director of emergency communications networks division at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, as well as Amber Schindeldecker, public information officer for Minnesota's emergency communications network division.