A public relations degree can be an excellent prerequisite to getting a job in the field of emergency management, whether it is with a private company or a local, state or federal agency. Because of the importance in maintaining effective communication with the public before, during and after an emergency, effective public relations are becoming an ever more important component of any full-spectrum emergency response plan. Finally, the growing complexity of managing public information while taking social media and other non-traditional sources of information into account makes having a trained public relations specialist all the more important for emergency management agencies.
Public Relations is an Integral Part of Emergency Management
Whether it is in helping articulate an emergency management policy before a disaster or communicating vital information to the public during and after the event, a public relations specialist is a vital member of any emergency management team. Without effective communication, it may become impossible to effectively implement disaster mitigation procedures. This is especially true given that during an emergency, even simple communication may be difficult, placing a premium on effectively managing any public announcements.
The Growing Complexity of Social Media Requires a Public Relations Specialist
In addition, the rise of social media such as Facebook and Twitter has made the job of communicating with the public vastly more complex. Especially during and after an emergency, an organization may have to make use of multiple communication methods while also responding to numerous questions from a variety of sources. A public relations specialist can ensure that this is carried out in a prompt and efficient manner, reducing the danger of miscommunication.
Managing the Message is a Vital Part of Creating an Orderly Response
One of the most important aspects of the public relations specialist’s duties will be managing the nature of his or her organization’s message. A private business will have to reassure investors and government regulators, while a government emergency management agency will have to be able to quell unfounded rumors and provide vital information to the affected population. This demands a public relations specialist who can develop a strategy that conveys the needed information in a way that achieves the organization’s goals.
Public Relations in the Post-Emergency Phase
Finally, effective public relations will also be important during the post emergency phase. The process of recovering from any long-term damage or determining how effective the emergency management process was will require extensive communication with government agencies, civilians, and private companies. A skilled specialist can ensure that this communication is conducted in a way that boosts confidence in his or her organization.
Terrorist Related Emergencies Make Effective Communication Vital
Domestic and foreign terrorist attacks can produce a situation in which information is difficult to come by and the situation is extremely fluid. In these cases, maintaining communication with the public or other agencies can be a vital part of mitigating any damage or panic that may result from the spread of unfounded rumors. A public relations specialist can ensure that only accurate information is disseminated, in addition to being able to refer any useful information to the proper authorities.
Ultimately, a degree in public relations can be a very effective way to enter the field of emergency management. The importance of maintaining effective communications with the public, coupled with the rapidly evolving nature of social media and other non-traditional communication methods has made having a professional public relations staff more important than ever. Because of this, public relations degree holders are facing a very promising job environment.