Summary

In this conversation Podcast Host Steven Kuhr interviews Sarah Lux, an emergency management public information officer from Lake County, Florida. They discuss the role of public information officers (PIOs) in crisis management and share their experiences in the field. Sarah talks about her background in anthropology and how she transitioned into government communications. She also highlights the importance of utilities in crisis management and the challenges of communicating with the public during emergencies. They discuss the use of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for COVID-19 testing and the need for effective communication strategies that go beyond social media. In this conversation, Steve and Sarah discuss the importance of having a comprehensive communication plan during emergencies. They highlight the need for social media to be part of a larger communication strategy that includes other tools like flyers, signage, and press conferences. Kuhr emphasizes the importance of building relationships with the media and other PIOs to ensure effective communication. Sarah shares her experiences during deployments and the challenges of rebuilding public trust after a lack of communication. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of trust, early and accurate messaging, and admitting mistakes in crisis communication.

Takeaways

Public information officers (PIOs) play a crucial role in crisis management by ensuring effective communication with the public.

Utilities face unique crisis situations and require proactive communication to address customer concerns and educate the public.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) can be a valuable tool for predicting and managing public health crises, such as COVID-19.

Effective crisis communication requires a combination of social media, traditional media, and building relationships with the press.

Collaboration and coordination between PIOs from different organizations and municipalities are essential for consistent and unified messaging during emergencies.

Having a comprehensive communication plan that includes social media as well as other tools like flyers, signage, and press conferences is crucial during emergencies.

Building relationships with the media and other PIOs is essential for effective communication.

Rebuilding public trust after a lack of communication can be challenging and requires admitting mistakes and providing accurate information.

Early and accurate messaging is key in crisis communication, and it is important to set realistic expectations for the media and the public.

Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmadelinelux/