ABSTRACT
When the public become aware of an incident, they want information. This is especially true if questions about health and safety arise. Information may be gained from a variety of sources such as the mass media, gossip or experience. For those in local government with a statutory obligation to provide information [1], being believed and taken seriously by the public, are important.
Credibility, trustworthiness, familiarity and competence, as perceived by the public, are significant to anyone providing information. Public opinion and perception of the source of information influence the effectiveness of communication.
The Isle of Wight Emergency Planning Team is addressing these issues. The Team is collaborating with a public communication specialist in an attempt to produce a coordinated information response as an integral part of their emergency plans.
Quality of information is increasingly a priority. Focusing on information style and content is supplemented by raising the Team's public profile. This paper looks at issues raised by the research, case studies of relevant issues, and the methods the Team is using to improve its communication with the public.
