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

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. 2 Before a Crisis

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. 3 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? 4 At the Onset

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 5 Initial Planning

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 miles away. – National media – Don’t panic or make changes to the way you are handling the crisis when they arrive. 6 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.” 7 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. 8 During the Crisis

QuickClear & Media 3 C’s 1. Connect 2. Control 3. Content

CONNECT

Connections

CONTROL

CONTENT

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

Use this format for each of your 3 key messages

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

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

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 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. ###

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