iaea international atomic energy agency epr-public communications l-010 messages
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IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agency
EPR-Public CommunicationsL-010
Messages
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Key messages
• Messages are demand driven;• Depend on event characteristics;• Depend on public concerns and sense of
threat.
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General rules
• Factual and quantitative;• Specify radiation type;• Compare potential radiation doses with
natural exposure;• Explain ways to minimize doses;• Explain areas/people not affected;• Clear, concise, reliable advice/actions.
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Prepared statements
• Radiation pathways: air, water and plume;• Food and water contamination;• Radiation measurements and monitoring;• Exposure symptoms;• Protection measures;• Short and long term effects of contamination;• Treatment for exposure;• Sources for additional information.
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Public health recommendations
• Clear explanation and rationale;• Examples: sheltering; minimizing
contamination; ingesting iodine tablets.
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Communicating uncertainties
• Clearly explained in concise terms;• Especially important in cases of:
• Deliberate release – nuclear terrorism;• Unforeseen accidental release.
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Families and children
• Messages concerning children:• Require special attention;• Need clear explanations.
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Radiation monitoring
• Explain to public what to expect to reduce fears.
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Warning messages – Key features
• Attract attention and perceptible;• Understandable to threatened people;• Clear and concise;• Durable in unstable communications
environment.
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Tools for message dissemination
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Structuring a press release
• Health and safety information first;
• Then additional details;• Date and time of
publication;• Contact information of
organization.
Press Release (for discovery of dangerous source in a public place (e.g. customs or post office): Date: [date of issue] [Press Release Number] Time: [time of issue] [Organization name] confirms that the dangerous radioactive material was discovered at [specify]. According to the information received at this time, the material was discovered at [time and location]. Reports indicate that [any confirmed information on effects] and that [any initial measures] measures are being taken to protect [the public or specify as appropriate]. The [specify plan as appropriate] emergency plan has now been activated [and we have activated our public information centre]. The public is advised on the following: 1. Those who may have been near to where the material was found within the past [specify time interval] and/or may have been near to it while it was being carried/shipped [specify details] should contact [specify] to be assessed and get instructions.
Medical practitioners are advised of the possibility that patients may present with symptoms of radiation exposure [burns with no apparent cause — the person does not remember being burned]. If you believe you have information that may be helpful or questions please call [give a hotline number where a large number of calls will not interfere with the response]. We will be providing further information as soon as it becomes available. [Provide details on timing of any updates or briefings]. The next [briefing/update] will take place at [location and/or time]. ——————— For further information: Name [name of contact for the media]: Title [title of media contact]: Organization: Telephone: Mobile: Email: Website:
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Periodic press updates
• Alternative/complementary approach to traditional press release in a long emergency;
• Provide information as it arrives;
• Shorter text updates.
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Purpose-built emergency website
• Display on organization’s main website;
• Ensure bandwidth capability;
• Easy to update;• Remotely updatable.
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Press briefings
• PIO’s role to organize press briefings;• Moderated by lead PIO or spokesperson;• Enough significant information is necessary
to hold a briefing;• Messages must be consistent and agreed
upon before amongst all speakers;• Coaching on possible questions from media.
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Social media
• Instant and direct two-way communications between people and organizations;
• Requires dedicated team, clear guidelines, experience in managing social media outreach;
• Thorough analysis of risks and benefits necessary.
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Hotline
• Health counselling or general counselling;
• To respond to public requests for information;
• Availability of trained staff answering calls;
• Pre-recorded messages can help filter calls;
• Information should contain most up-to-date protective actions and guidelines.
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Summary
• Advanced preparation & training is required for message dissemination to public;
• Message content should be factual, concise and quantitative;
• Message form and content should respond to needs of multiple audiences.
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