A PLAN THAT REALLY WORKED!

To assist in the development and implementation of strategies and internal and external communications following an explosion and fire at Union Carbide in Seadrift, Texas. The incident resulted in one death and several injuries and massive on-site and limited off-site damages.
  Pre-incident planning had identified key messages, audiences and appropriate delivery mechanisms. Post-event communications incorporated pre-work findings with the real-time demands of communicating in a crisis. Media briefings were held hourly on-site within hours of the blast. Community impact assessment teams were visiting neighbors within hours. Site tours for media and elected officials were held only one day later. Updates were mailed to all employees' homes within days. A public meeting and dinner for near neighbors was held on-site one week after the explosion.
 

Communications were viewed as exceptional by local and national media, including a complementary editorial in a local newspaper two days after the explosion. Communications with multiple audiences continued for months after the "fire" went out. Some communications shortcomings with neighbors were noted, resulting in the formation of a joint industry/neighbor communications task force and revisions to internal procedures and external communication systems.

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© 2010 Harris, DeVille & Associates, Inc.

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