Media-Related Emergency Response Procedures

Any crisis may demand a public response.  In general, university employees should not respond to media inquiries or make public announcements without first consulting with University Relations.  A coordinated response prevents confusion, minimizes the possibility of conflicting information, and makes it clear to the media who represents the "official" position of the university.  When it doubt about responding to media, contact your supervisor or University Relations.  This procedure outlines the considerations involved in preparing a public response through University Relations.


REMEMBER

  • Concern for students, faculty, staff, neighbors
  • Quick response
  • Accurate communication
  • Restore order and confidence

FACT-FINDING

  • Go to scene
  • Contact Incident Commander
  • Review Fact Sheet Checklist

AUDIENCE ANALYSIS

  • Campus community students, administration, faculty, staff
  • Family of victim/students
  • Chancellor
  • Legislature
  • General public
  • University Police
  • Mass media
  • University leadership

COMMUNICATION TOOLS

  • Television
  • Radio
  • UCCS website
  • Telephone/voicemail
  • Student newspaper
  • Press conference
  

ACTION STAGE

  • Issue fact sheet to target audience
  • Contact parents if necessary
  • Update fact sheet as necessary
  • Use facts throughout crisis to dispel rumors

POST-ACTION STAGE

  • Monitor response
  • Evaluate effectiveness of plan
  • Reassure order and confidence
  • Supply needed information and assistance
  • Provide relief from effects of the event

AFTERMATH

  • Crisis communication evaluation meeting
  • Reevaluate effectiveness of plan
  • Identify and implement ways to improve the plan
  • Continue to reassure order and confidence to audience
  • Continue to supply needed information and assistance
  • Continue to provide relief from effects of the event

 

DID YOU KNOW:
Free safety escorts are available by calling x3111.