QuickClear QuickCommunication

1. QuickClearQuickCommunication Theresa Pollick, ODOT, District Two Anne R. Ralston, Staff Lieutenant Ohio State Highway Patrol John Altman, Staff Lieutenant Ohio State Highway Patrol

2. Before a Crisis • Preparing agency staff and developing a good relationship with media starts before the actual crisis occurs. • An agency media crisis team has to be formed, agency plans have to be developed and a policy must be in place.

3. At the Onset • Public Safety agencies should stabilize the crisis situation before responding to media requests. • Release of information to the media starts at the discretion of the commanding officer.

4. At the Onset • Be prepared to say something, even before you know all the facts. Often the media will come at you before you have all the facts. • Key Points: • Public Safety? • What happened? • What are you doing about it?

5. Initial Planning • Secure the scene and establish a media staging area. • This area should be established in the first 30 minutes. • Allow enough room for media trucks. • Work together to designate a media spokesperson

6. During the Crisis • Cooperate with the media • Local media – The reporters that you are probably most familiar with • Be sure to establish a positive relationship with these reporters. • Regional media – Reporters from 100-200 miles away. • National media – Don’t panic or make changes to the way you are handling the crisis when they arrive.

7. During the Crisis • “A news story can progress from local to national interest and there is a way to effectively respond to and manage the information flow associated with each level.”

8. During the Crisis • Conduct periodic news conferences, audio or video tape each conference. • Announce time for subsequent media briefings. • Conduct public safety responsibilities first - maintain your timetable, not the media’s.

9. QuickClear& Media 3 C’s1. Connect2. Control3. Content

10. CONNECT

11. Connections

13. CONTROL

17. CONTENT

19. Message Math: The Rule of Three Why the rule of three? 3 messages delivered 3 times = Memorable 9 messages delivered 1 time = Forgettable

20. Use this format for each of your 3 key messages

21. The Do’s and Donts Do… Don’t… • Act friendly toward the reporter • Maintain eye contact • Project command of your messages with confidence and passion • State your campaignname often • Always end on a positive note • End with a call to action for the audience • Say “no comment” • Go off the record • Take an interview cold/on the fly • Repeat a negative comment or question

22. Summary • Establish Connections prior to incidents • Control the Situation – PUT THEM IN THEIR PLACE! • Content – simple clear 10 seconds!

28. The ramp from northbound I-75 to westbound I-475 in Perrysburg will remain closed through at least Thursday, September 19 at 9am due to an accident. • Suggested alternate route: US 20; southbound I-75; westbound I-475 • At the time of this release, crews continue to remove heavy machinery involved in the accident. The machinery is used to crush asphalt and or concrete and weighs approx. 105000 pounds. • ODOT crews have assessed the condition of the ramp and will make repairs as soon as possible. Work on ramp will include: • replacement of 225 feet of guardrail • minor pavement repair • minor shoulder repair • Expect delays in this area, especially during the Thursday AM commute. Motorists are reminded to seek an alternate route or allow extra time if they use this ramp tomorrow morning. • ###

29. Did You Know?

30. Questions?