ABSTRACT
During and after a disaster, effective communications must coordinate response efforts in order to limit secondary morbidity and disease [1]. Organizations must communicate early and frequently with multiple stakeholders to prevent panic and implement an orderly response plan [2]. The government and other decision makers need to know what response efforts are ongoing, and what type of further assistance is required where in order to coordinate relief. Health professionals want to know which health risks or diseases are increased in the current environment, how best to
advise their patients, and how they can stay informed of emerging disease trends while working in the field. The public wants to know how to obtain assistance, what ongoing personal risks they face, and how they can protect themselves and their families [3]. Platforms for this type of health messaging include press releases and media interviews, Internet articles and social media, town hall forums, and frequent timely communication among responders.
