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There’s No Such Thing as a “Perfect Storm” May 3, 2007

There’s No Such Thing as a “Perfect Storm” May 3, 2007. Department Responsibilities. State Emergency Operations Center – Joint Information Center DHH Emergency Operations Center Special Needs Shelters Temporary Medical Operations Staging Area (TMOSA) Victim Identification Center

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There’s No Such Thing as a “Perfect Storm” May 3, 2007

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  1. There’s No Such Thing as a “Perfect Storm” May 3, 2007

  2. Department Responsibilities • State Emergency Operations Center – Joint Information Center • DHH Emergency Operations Center • Special Needs Shelters • Temporary Medical Operations Staging Area (TMOSA) • Victim Identification Center • Family Assistance Center

  3. Communications Staffing Structure • Four communications team members…for the entire state • Regional Medical Directors must also serve as regional spokespersons

  4. Pre-Storm Preparation • Canned news releases • DHH Emergency News Website • Used for hurricanes, disease outbreaks, flu vaccine shortages • Easily updated by all staff from remote locations • Governor’s Communications Council

  5. Katrina Realities • Limited communications ability • Had to utilize basic means of communication • Runners to Florida Parishes • Printed materials delivered to checkpoints • Levels of government didn’t always see eye-to-eye • More locations to cover than staff available

  6. Staffing Issues • Temporary Medical Operations Staging Area (Louisiana State University) • Security Issues with general public and media • Required close work with LSU Media Relations Team

  7. Reporting of Victims • New territory for DHH • Reputation management was key • No speculation • Media wants NUMBERS • Always qualify your numbers

  8. Getting the Good News Out • Embedding media in rescue missions was problematic • High volume of “clutter” in media • Difficult to get your message heard

  9. Getting the Good News Out • There were many good news stories • Many important health messages were needed • Paid media will help you cut through the clutter • Stay Healthy Louisiana

  10. Expect the Unexpected • Bad Media • Sneaking into facilities • Unethical journalism • Staging stories • National Media Attention • CNN, MSNBC, FOX all have multiple shows with multiple producers • Satellite trucks • Relationships with local media are key

  11. Lessons Learned • Expect the unexpected – BE FLEXIBLE • Everything you say has the potential to make news for another day • Hospital death reports • Names of the deceased • Concluding the search for victims • When and when not to correct stories • FEMA • Keep it short and to the point

  12. Lessons Bring Change • Enhanced planning on a state level • ESF 15 Planning • JIC Restructuring • GO Teams • Revisions to communications staffing plans • Enhanced partnership with LPHI on state and local level

  13. Hurricane Katrina August 29, 2005

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