Employer Factsheet: Tips for Media Communications During an Emergency

During an emergency the media should be:

• directed to an agreed single point of contact or person who should handle all media enquiries

• handled by trained spokespersons where appropriate

• informed of the timetable for holding any press conferences.

Public relations work with the media may be required. This has a number of important aspects, including:

• the need to ensure that sensitive information, especially in relation to any fatalities, is handled correctly

• controlling the information provided so as to protect organisational interests and prevent as far as possible any issues of liability being predetermined