A basic understanding of Emergency Risk Communication principles is necessary to effectively plan a communication response. You will be referred to the Essential Principles module throughout ERC CDCynergy; use the principles as a guide throughout the planning process. If you are unfamiliar with the principles of risk communication, you should begin with the Essential Principles module.

The Pre-Event phase of a crisis is, in many ways, the most important phase. Each day spent preparing is a priceless investment in successful communication when a crisis hits. ³⁸

The following are the communication objectives of the Pre-Event phase:

• Be prepared
• Foster alliances
• Develop consensus recommendations
• Test messages.

All the planning and most of the work should be done during this phase, including anticipating potential events that your organization may face. ³⁹

There are many events that could require intense public information and media and partner communication responses. (See list of event types.) Assemble an ERC planning team to brainstorm credible scenarios that your organization may have to address. Each of these will require

• planning for message content development,
• identification of the target audience,
• spokesperson preparation, and
• selection of effective delivery methods.

Reasonable questions can be anticipated and preliminary answers sought. Initial communication can be drafted with only "blanks" to be filled in. Spokespersons and resource mechanisms can be identified. Training can be conducted and refinements to plans and messages can be made. Alliances and partnerships can be fostered to ensure experts are "speaking with one voice."

The tutorial for this Pre-Event phase will take you through "what to do" and "how to do" all of the necessary activities in pre-planning. Note that the activities in this phase may be completed in any order.

Activities for Pre-Event phase:

1. Conduct a needs assessment for crisis and emergency risk communication.
2. Develop a crisis/emergency risk communication plan.
3. Determine the functions needed to carry out the plan.
4. Determine the resources needed to carry out the plan.
5. Prepare the team to carry out the plan.

Although the activities in this phase (as well as Post-Event) are numbered they may be performed in any order.

Do You Know The Basics?

A basic understanding of Emergency Risk Communication essential principles is necessary in order to effectively plan a communication response. Before you begin the Pre-Event tutorial you should have an understanding of the topics covered in "Essential Principles."