Emergency Plan - Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority

APPENDIX 12
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN
5.11Emergency Communication Plan
5.11.1 INTRODUCTION
During and following almost any emergency, there is a critical need to communicate
information to a number of different audiences. The size and number of these audiences
can vary greatly depending on the emergency, and can range from a few employees of
one department, up to and including every person within GSWSA’s service area.
5.11.2 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The overall purpose of the crisis communications function, during and following virtually
any emergency, is to ensure accurate and consistent information is communicated to all
those with a need to know. The specific objectives of this function include the following:
To ensure factual and current information is provided, in a controlled and organized
manner, to the media, the public, and other outside agencies, groups, or personnel that
have a need to be informed.
To ensure adequate personnel and procedures are in place to handle incoming telephone
calls, and that these individuals are provided current, accurate, and consistent information
to work from.
To ensure factual and current information is provided, in a controlled and organized
manner, to all GSWSA employees.
5.11.3 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The Crisis Communications Plan may be activated and implemented by either; the CEO
or the Incident Commander.
Crisis Communications will normally be activated whenever there is an event that causes
activation of the Incident Command System.
The CEO will coordinate all activities within the scope of the Crisis Communications
Plan.
The CEO will coordinate and oversee the development and creation of all printed
information such as Press Releases, Fact Sheets, Notices and Bulletins. The CEO will
also coordinate the dissemination of up-to-date and approved information to telephone
operators, radio dispatchers, department heads / supervisors, and affected employees.
The CEO or Incident Commander may fill the role of Spokesperson, or may choose to
appoint another qualified person to serve as Spokesperson. The designated Spokesperson
will conduct all Press Briefings, on-air / on-camera interviews, telephone interviews, etc.,
for and with the media.
The CEO will serve as a Liaison to the media, and will coordinate the scheduling of press
briefings, interviews, etc.