Communications in a time of fire
Michelle Prak FPRIA
AKA Prakky | PRIA Fellow | Past President PRIA SA | Awarded Fiction Writer | Thrillers: BARREN CAPE (April 2025); THE RUSH; LE DELUGE
Communication is vital during emergencies such as the catastrophic bushfires being experienced around Australia right now. However, this can be tricky to manage on a personal level.
We’re told to stay tuned to the news to understand if there’s any emergencies which may impact us – and that applies not only to the people who are unfortunately living or working in the bushfire prone areas, but others whose health may be impacted by smoke travelling kilometres away from the fires, for example.
At the same time:
?? people can become anxious and/or weary of bushfire news
?? bushfire news can become conflated with debates about climate change, many of them emotionally-charged
?? there’s a lot of misinformation circulating and many people wonder ‘who can they trust’?
WHAT TO DO?
?? I recommend you select a few official agencies to follow. In South Australia, these would include emergency services such as the CFS and SA Police. Follow utility providers such as SA Power Networks and Telstra. That way, you can receive emergency alerts ‘from the horse’s mouth’.
?? Be wary of fake social media posts. Avoid the impulse to share or retweet without researching the source; doing some of your own Googling and verify that what you’re sharing is true. If you don’t have the time to do that – I recommend not sharing. (This can also help you avoid resharing fundraising scams, also circulating now).
?? Take care of yourself – be aware of the amount of news you can tolerate. Stay tuned to the signs of an unhealthy level of anxiety. Take a break from ABC 24 or the radio or indeed, Facebook updates. I know this isn’t easy to do – and worrying is natural – but it pays to listen to ourselves and have some quiet time.
The ABC has published an excellent piece online, with methods for addressing bushfire worry and anxiety ??
Take care, everyone.
Freelance photographer specialising in tourism and travel.
5 年Then there's the issue of how a business not directly affected by the fires should act when those down the road or at least in the same industry/sector have lost everything. Catastrophes like these are very sobering and carrying on with business as usual seems a little callous and insensitive. Thoughts?
Marketing Strategist @ Search & Internet Marketing | Marketing Director
5 年Consumers always sense chest beating. Over the years have needed to advise clients to go gently even though they are generous. Humility still goes a long way in Australia. Unfortunately some corporations who have minimised paying tax are yet to stand up and dig deep.
Bookshop Owner & Marketing Manager
5 年Thanks Michelle! I'd be interested to hear what you think about the best way for businesses to react to the Bushfire Crisis. What is the best way to donate or fundraise without appearing to try to take advantage of the situation?
Engaging and inspiring the next generation of healthcare workers > Altaira, GO Beyond, and World Youth's Nurses In Action/Healthcare Heartbeat.
5 年Good points - it can all get so overwhelming!