Risk & Crisis Communication Class Scenario Exercise

Risk & Crisis CommunicationClass Scenario ExerciseCommunication Strategies,Message Maps, and DeliveryJoi Ross - for Feb 2007OSC Readiness

Scenario Overview5 Scenarios – 1 per group• Prepared by team of experts (public(public outreach, siteinvestigation & cleanup, emergency responders -- EPA andconsultants)• Based on real sites• Intentional information overloadJoi Ross - for Feb 2007OSC Readiness

Scenario 15 Scenarios• Drinking water threat from mercury contamination in GW andsurface water (State has banned fishing in river)• Mercury source: local mfg plant that was recently shut down• Role-play:series of public meetings (resulting from congressionalinquiries)Scenario 2• Terrorist incident at college campus stadium, right before basketballchampionship playoffs• Mass casualties (hundreds hospitalized; some fatalities)• Some nearby homes were evacuated• Role-play:town hall meeting with local residents 2 days after eventJoi Ross - for Feb 2007OSC Readiness

Scenario 3Joi Ross - for Feb 2007• RoleOSC Readiness5 Scenarios• Chemical plant explosion• Plant and nearby businesses evacuated• Shelter in place for nearby residents and school• Role-play:briefing for local reporters on the sceneScenario 4• Freight train carrying haz materials catches fire near commuter station• Rush hour commuter train schedule is interrupted and local businessesaffected during incident• Suspected contamination to nearby wetlands, due to water main break• Role-play:joint press conference with city officials (media requested EPApresence to explain health risks)Scenario 5• Tanker truck accident on highway near residential area• Local fire dept requests EPA assistance b/c of truck contents (pressurizedsulfur dioxide)• Media reporting of partial facts has created high concernRole-play: meeting with reps of local env justice groups

Exercise Overview• Create Communication Strategy‣ 7 tasks to complete• Class Presentations & Practice‣ Overview of stakeholders and concerns‣ Present message maps‣ Role-play in designated setting‣ 5-minute class critique after eachJoi Ross - for Feb 2007OSC Readiness

Communication StrategyTasks 1 and 2: Assign RolesAssign a group reporter and a role-playspokesperson.Role of group reporter:• Take notes on flipchart• Summarize the group discussion• Keep the group on scheduleRole of spokesperson:• Deliver group’s s message maps• Respond to questions during role-play (as applicable)• Delegate questions for others to answer (as applicable)Joi Ross - for Feb 2007OSC Readiness

Communication StrategyTask 3:• Carefully read assigned scenario• As a group, develop a comprehensive list ofstakeholders – the interested, affected, orinfluential• Identify concerns and questions for eachstakeholderJoi Ross - for Feb 2007OSC Readiness

Communication StrategyTask 4:• Prioritize your list of stakeholders and concerns• Identify your primary stakeholder group, and list theirconcerns and questionsTask 5:• Develop an overarching message map for the primarystakeholder groupJoi Ross - for Feb 2007OSC Readiness

Communication StrategyTask 6:• Begin developing additional message mapsfor the primary stakeholder groupTask 7:• Begin developing message maps for otherstakeholdersJoi Ross - for Feb 2007OSC Readiness

Message MapClass Presentation & PracticeGroup Presentations• Provide brief overview of scenario• Provide overview of stakeholders and their concerns• Describe message maps developed by the groupRole Plays• Describe role-play setting to the class• Class participates as primary stakeholders• Class asks questions of presenting groupGroup spokesperson:• Answer questions from the audience or delegate to other group membersmbers(class critique following each group)Joi Ross - for Feb 2007OSC Readiness