Emergency Response Episodes

Author Doug Levy, of The Communications Golden Hour® Book, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, for the first of three episodes to discuss the roles of public information officers and crisis communications in emergencies and crises/issues.Listen For:01:15 - From Practitioner to Author11:27 - The Role, Skills and Practice of a Public Information Officer20:30 - Communications is Two-way or It's Not Communications28:04 - Evolving as a PIO

It was the year 2008. Newspapers, local and provincial/state broadcast TV news, and radio news dominated the media landscape. Misinformation wasn't a word that was used.These are the stories of the before times. When coordinating more news media was easier than responding, developing, coordinating, producing, and posting media on all channels.

Is building an emergency program a matter of simply responding to crises, or does it require something more?  In the final episode of the two-part series, host Tim Conrad talks with Steph Masun about the vital role of community, communication, and adaptability in emergency management.  With years of experience in the Cariboo Regional District's emergency program, Steph shares insights into the creation and continuity of an effective emergency response, emphasizing the importance of building a legacy, nurturing relationships, and continuous improvement.  From floods to fires, to landslides, learn how communities and emergency professionals can work together to navigate the unpredictable landscape of crisis management.

Disaster communications isn’t just about fighting fires – it’s about connecting communities amidst chaos.In this episode, host Tim Conrad discusses the intense challenges and strategies behind managing public relations during the 2023 British Columbia wildfire season.Guest Jan Enns delves into her own experiences with evacuation and loss, while highlighting the critical importance of mental health for responders and residents.Together, they share valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities of crisis communications, emphasizing the power of empathy, community engagement, and resilience.

Navigating chaos with calm.In episode one, Tim Conrad interviews Brie Thorsteinson-Ogle, an expert in strategic behavioural communication, about their experiences managing communications during the brutal 2023 British Columbia wildfires.Brie discusses the critical importance of building trust, simplifying complex processes, and effectively engaging with communities under duress.Together, they explore the power of listening and adapting in crisis situations, emphasizing that every gap identified is an opportunity for better solutions and community healing.