Workforce Activation
Communications Plan
Objectives
The Communications Work Group discussed communication activities for each audience during different time periods of an emergency. The four event time frames identified were:
- Pre Event Phase
- Alert Phase
- Response Phase
- Post Event Phase
Communications activities are required in each event phase. Planning focus surrounded around Phases 2 - 4.
It was determined that preparing internal staff with information about the activation process was the responsibility of the Training Work Group as well as Human Resources and Emergency Response Team Leaders. Communications had internal (i.e. staff) and external (i.e. community partners and clients) audiences, and tasks were assigned accordingly. Internal communication, in terms of employees being activated, became the responsibility of the Preparedness Section and the Workforce Activation Specialist. Communication to staff about the department's response to an event is the responsibility of the public information team. External audiences were also the responsibility of the public information team.
Objectives for communicating during activation included ensuring that staff is informed, providing resources for getting updated information, providing tips for psycho/social inter personal mental health, and more. Learn more from the Internal Communications Matrix.
Objectives for post-activation internal communication included staff recognition and appreciation, ongoing communication about EAP resources, how to get back into business continuity, and more. Learn more from the Internal Communications Matrix.
Communications Plan & Tools MATRIX - INTERNAL
Communication with internal health jurisdiction constituents requires careful planning and multiple considerations.
The following matrix identifies the key external audiences and the assessment content for each phase of communication surrounding an emergency event.
Communications Plan & Tools MATRIX-EXTERNAL
When a public health emergency occurs, the pressure for information to the media and public will be tremendous. This demand may happen even before all the facts of a situation are known and the internal audiences have been informed. In general, the public regards the first official message they hear as the one that carries the most weight.
The following matrix identifies the key external audiences and the assessment content for each phase of communication surrounding an emergency event.
Public Information Call Center
Public Health-Seattle & King County (Public Health) has developed a Public Information Call Center (PICC) as a resource for the public to receive information through live operators and recorded information during a public health emergency. The Communications Division of Public Health-Seattle & King County is responsible for PICC planning and operations.
Establishing a call center requires health jurisdictions to consider the follow key elements:
- Facilities
- Staffing
- Messaging
- Telecommunications support
- Coordination with partners
The following tools and samples provide a starting point for your health jurisdiction in PICC planning:
