3-7-2012
The winter onslaught of deadly storms that marched across the South and Midwest were a reminder of the fragile nature of our civilization and there were more than a few stories about incredible loss, preparedness and of course, good luck. I am a volunteer for the Red Cross and Dallas Texas and I have spent a fair amount of effort in sharing the story of how personal preparedness can save lives. (http://www.redcross.org/prepare)
The spring tornado season is still ahead and its time to develop a station/cluster plan or review the plans you have. In hindsight I don?t think our staff developed as comprehensive plan as we should have. I remember thinking we have smart dedicated staffers and they will know what to do. We were tested but not tested the way we saw communities ravaged by this latest round of storms.
Here is a checklist that might help you organize your team.
1) You need a plan and it needs to be in writing. Make sure that ALL staffers have the copy of the plan. Make sure it?s available electronically and on paper. It should be in every staffers phone
2) Review your plan and update it each year
3) Be sure the plan covers the likely and less likely disasters that could impact your coverage area.
4) Rehearse. Twice each year bring the team together and rehearse and review. You don?t do this everyday. Staff changes; be sure new hires get a copy of the plan.
5) Start with your engineering staff, internal or contract. The number one goal is to stay on the air. Look at the technology you have and consider simple tech upgrades that you will need to serve your listeners.
6) Create partnerships. When your community is hit, the partnerships you have with other stations will extend your effectiveness no matter the size of your staff.
7) Meet with key community organizations before you are challenged to understand how you can work together.
8) Shelter in place. If your studios and transmitter survives? Can your team operate for days without outside support? The basics are essential. Power, hygiene, water, food.
9) Phones and voice cell phones will be down or limited. Master the art of text messages.
10) Anticipate the unexpected; it will be the new normal.
I hope your stations wont face this kind of challenge but with some planning if you are tested, you and your listeners will be rewarded with your efforts.
Dan Halyburton is EVP McVay Cook and Associates and can be reached at 214-707-7237. Follow Dan @danhalyburton. E-mal Dan at dan@halyburton.com
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