SU_PHE4030_W5_A2_Chapman_Y.doc

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1 A Tale of Two Crises: Comparing Emergency Communication in the Boston Marathon Bombing and Hurricane Irene Yvette Chapman South University PHE4030 Foundations of Health Communication Dr. Jamie Galbreath March 18, 2024

2 A Tale of Two Crises: Comparing Emergency Communication in the Boston Marathon Bombing and Hurricane Irene Effective communication is paramount during emergencies, serving as a critical lifeline for the public. This report delves into two contrasting emergencies: the horrific Boston Marathon bombing and the destructive power of Hurricane Irene. An analysis of the communication strategies employed in each case will reveal both successes and shortcomings. This comparative approach will illuminate the universal challenges inherent in emergency communication, while also highlighting the unique considerations for man-made and natural disasters. The ultimate aim of this analysis is to contribute to the ongoing development of more effective communication strategies that can safeguard lives and foster resilience in the face of crisis. Barriers to Message Development Boston Marathon The main barrier to message development in the Boston Marathon bombing was the chaotic and rapidly evolving nature of the event. Initially, there was confusion about the number of bombs, the locations of explosions, and the perpetrators. This uncertainty made it challenging for authorities to craft accurate and timely messages for the public. Additionally, the presence of multiple law enforcement agencies and first responders led to coordination challenges, affecting the consistency and coherence of messaging efforts ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). Hurricane Irene The uncertainty surrounding the path of the storm posed a significant challenge, as the unpredictable nature of hurricanes made it difficult to determine which areas would be most severely affected and the extent of potential damage ( Emergency Communications Case Study:

3 Hurricane Irene-North Carolina , 2012). This lack of clarity limited the specificity of early warnings, hindering efforts to adequately prepare and respond to the impending threat. Additionally, the abundance of weather data and forecasts led to information overload, potentially overwhelming the public and making it challenging to discern and prioritize critical information amidst the flood of updates ( Emergency Communications Case Study: Hurricane Irene-North Carolina , 2012). Timeliness Issues and Addressing Them Boston Marathon Timeliness emerged as a crucial concern in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, necessitating rapid dissemination of information to the public to ensure safety and halt misinformation. Authorities swiftly established Joint Information Centers to facilitate coordinated communication across various agencies and expedite the delivery of updates to the public. Leveraging both social media platforms and traditional media outlets, officials provided real-time updates and safety instructions to residents and visitors in the affected areas ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). In response to the urgency of the situation, several strategies were implemented to ensure timely communication. Notably, four formal press conferences were held within 24 hours of the incident, serving as pivotal platforms for disseminating updates and soliciting information from the public ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). Additionally, law enforcement agencies proactively monitored social media channels to gather potential leads and address misinformation promptly ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). However, some stakeholders have advocated for a more proactive approach to social media

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4 engagement for public updates, suggesting opportunities for enhancement in future crisis communication strategies (Everbridge, 2014). Hurricane Irene Timeliness of communication proved to be a significant challenge during Hurricane Irene, particularly regarding the dissemination of evacuation orders and safety instructions to residents in high-risk areas ( Hurricane Irene Case Study , 2011). To address this, emergency management agencies implemented a multi-channel communication strategy, leveraging a combination of traditional media, social media, and emergency alert systems ( Hurricane Irene Case Study , 2011). This approach aimed to provide real-time updates and warnings to the public, ensuring they had the information needed to make informed decisions regarding their safety. Furthermore, officials actively coordinated with local authorities and community leaders This collaboration facilitated the timely evacuation of at-risk populations and the efficient implementation of emergency response measures across affected areas ( Hurricane Irene Case Study , 2011). The National Weather Service also played a crucial role by issuing a tropical storm warning for the affected areas five days before landfall, followed by a hurricane warning two days prior ( Hurricane Irene Case Study , 2011). These timely warnings provided valuable lead time for residents to prepare their homes and families for the approaching storm. Call to Action Boston Marathon The predominant call to action during the Boston Marathon bombing crisis was to prioritize public safety by advising residents and visitors to shelter in place and avoid the affected areas ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). Furthermore, authorities emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities or

5 packages, and cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation process ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). This call to action was aimed at several objectives, including preventing further casualties, facilitating the apprehension of suspects, and maintaining public safety ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). The urgency of these directives highlights the gravity of the situation and the collective responsibility of the community in responding effectively to the crisis. Hurricane Irene The primary call to action during Hurricane Irene focused on ensuring public preparedness and minimizing potential losses. This multifaceted approach aimed to safeguard lives and property through timely evacuation and proactive measures. A central element of the call to action involved urging residents in affected areas to evacuate promptly and seek shelter in designated evacuation zones or emergency shelters ( Hurricane Irene Case Study , 2011). This critical step aimed to remove individuals from the path of the potentially devastating storm surge and high winds. Furthermore, authorities emphasized the importance of preparation by encouraging residents to create emergency supply kits containing essential items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, and medications ( Emergency Communications Case Study: Hurricane Irene-North Carolina , 2012). Finally, the call to action stressed the importance of staying informed. Residents were urged to closely monitor communication channels for storm updates, safety instructions, and evacuation orders ( Hurricane Irene Case Study , 2011). This real-time information empowered individuals to make informed decisions regarding their safety and the safety of their families. Utilization of Seven Steps of Crisis Communication

6 Boston Marathon The Boston Marathon bombing exposed the challenges and opportunities for improvement in crisis communication during a large-scale terrorist attack. While authorities established a Joint Information System to disseminate updates through press briefings and social media, the complex and rapidly evolving situation, coupled with coordination issues between agencies, hindered a fully unified response ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). The seven steps of crisis communication were implemented with varying degrees of success. Pre-crisis planning, while in place, may not have specifically addressed the unique communication needs of a terrorist attack. Establishing a Unified Command Center demonstrated a focus on centralized communication ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). Similarly, prioritizing accurate information before issuing public statements aligned with best practices. However, achieving a truly unified voice across agencies with varying protocols proved challenging during press conferences ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). While press conferences offered updates, incorporating a more empathetic tone to acknowledge public fear and anxiety could have been beneficial (Everbridge, 2014). Social media suggests some awareness of public perception, but a more proactive approach to addressing concerns online was lacking. Finally, the development of after-action reports spotlights a commitment to learning from this experience and improving future communication strategies ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013). Hurricane Irene The Hurricane Irene case study reflects both successes and challenges in applying the seven steps of crisis communication. Established hurricane plans facilitated a coordinated response, with Emergency Operation Centers acting as central communication hubs ( Hurricane

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7 Irene Case Study , 2011). Timely information from the National Weather Service and local assessments informed communication efforts. While achieving a completely unified voice across all levels of government proved difficult, the focus remained on clear and consistent messaging ( Hurricane Irene Case Study , 2011). The response, however, could have benefitted from a more empathetic tone acknowledging public anxieties alongside factual information ( Hurricane Irene Communication , 2011). Overall, the crisis highlighted the importance of preparedness, coordination, and adaptability, with after-action reports demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement in communication strategies ( Hurricane Irene Case Study , 2011). Similarities in Emergency and Crisis Communication In examining emergency and crisis communication across both the Boston Marathon bombing and Hurricane Irene case studies, several similarities emerge. In both incidents, timeliness was paramount, highlighting the critical need for swift and effective dissemination of information to the public to ensure safety and facilitate appropriate responses. Next, the utilization of various communication channels, including traditional media, social media platforms, and emergency alert systems, was evident in both cases, highlighting the importance of leveraging multiple avenues to reach diverse audiences. Additionally, the establishment of centralized communication hubs or command centers, such as Joint Information Centers and Unified Command Centers, facilitated coordination among multiple agencies and stakeholders, enhancing the consistency of messaging. Furthermore, both case studies emphasized the importance of transparency, empathy, and accountability in communication efforts, aiming to foster trust and credibility with the public during times of crisis ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013; Hurricane Irene Communication , 2011). Differences in Emergency and Crisis Communication

8 The differences in emergency and crisis communication between the Boston Marathon bombing and Hurricane Irene case studies are notable. First, the nature of the events differed significantly, with the Boston Marathon bombing being a deliberate act of terrorism and Hurricane Irene a natural disaster. This distinction influenced the communication strategies employed, with the bombing necessitating immediate responses to address safety threats and apprehend suspects, while the hurricane required ongoing updates to prepare and evacuate affected populations. The coordination among agencies and stakeholders differed, with the bombing presenting challenges in interagency collaboration due to its complexity, while the hurricane response required extensive coordination among federal, state, and local entities to execute evacuation plans and provide assistance ( Boston Marathon Bombing: After-Action Report , 2013; Hurricane Irene Communication , 2011). Conclusion In conclusion, the comparative analysis of emergency communication in the Boston Marathon bombing and Hurricane Irene sheds light on both the universal challenges and unique considerations inherent in crisis management. Despite differences in the nature of the events, both cases underscored the critical importance of timeliness, multi-channel communication, and centralized coordination in effectively addressing emergencies. Timely dissemination of information through various platforms, including traditional media and social media, proved essential in ensuring public safety and facilitating appropriate responses. Furthermore, the establishment of centralized communication hubs, such as Joint Information Centers and Unified Command Centers, facilitated coordination among multiple agencies and stakeholders, enhancing the consistency of messaging. While challenges such as uncertainty, coordination issues, and information overload were present in both cases, the commitment to transparency,

9 empathy, and accountability remained paramount in fostering trust and credibility with the public. Moving forward, continued evaluation, adaptation, and improvement of crisis communication strategies are essential to enhancing preparedness, response, and resilience in the face of future emergencies.

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10 References Boston marathon bombing: after-action report [PDF]. (2013). Department of Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/Boston_Marathon_Bombing_AAR.pdf Emergency communications case study: Hurricane irene-north carolina [PDF]. (2012). https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/hurricane_irene_case_study.pdf Everbridge. (2014). Lessons learned: the Boston marathon bombing . https://www.everbridge.com/lessons-learned-boston-marathon-bombing/ Hurricane Irene case study . (2011). Department of Homeland Security. https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL092011_Irene.pdf Hurricane Irene communication . (2011). Federal Emergency Management Agency. https://www.fema.gov/pdf/news/pda/4020.pdf

SU_PHE4030_W5_A2_Chapman_Y.doc

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