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Response to terrorism demands proper communication

 (Nov. 21, 2006)

     Terrorism events have proven the need for accurate information and appropriate delivery of that information. These have been goals of Kathleen Vidoloff, an NCFPD student researcher studying at North Dakota State University, and a member of the NCFPD "Best Practices in Risk and Crisis Communication" research team.

    "In particular, the best practices provide communication strategies organizations could use in preparing for, managing and responding to a crisis," says Kathleen. "One of our current projects examines the New Zealand government’s response to a hoax foot and mouth disease threat. Specifically, we are studying how that agency illustrated the Best Practices and what we can learn from their response.”

    The NCFPD Center focuses upon the intentional contamination of food products. Critical, therefore, is knowledge of how agencies should best respond to an event and disseminate information to various stakeholders, particularly worried consumers.

    "Governmental groups need to establish a crisis plan and build relationships with key stakeholders before an event occurs. This allows for the sharing of a consistent message across all channels by a network of involved partners," states Kathleen.

     Kathleen is finishing her master's degree in communication and has been accepted in the PhD program in emergency management at NDSU. More on her research can be found at http://risk-crisis.ndsu.nodak.edu.