Be sure to create internal processes that require you to reconnect with your sources to ensure this information is current. This updating can be scheduled if your area is prone to weather-related emergencies. In northern Australia, for example, cyclones are a big concern. They are also somewhat predictable in that there is a season when they’re most likely to occur. Prior to the season, our local plans are updated, and emergency agencies are called to check that the information and contacts are still correct. Staff are brought together to go through the procedures in small groups. This not only ensures that the information in the plan is current but also helps to re-establish relationships that may have been neglected in the quiet period. A tool we’ve found handy when training staff are hypotheticals based on previous experience. The hypothetical forces the staff to think through what they would do in that scenario and can sometimes lead to vigorous discussion about best practices. Technology and tools change quickly, so this can be a great way to ensure you’re up to date. We pitch these hypotheticals at different levels, for example: • What to do when a catastrophic weather event is forecast? • What do you do when you’re asked to evacuate the studio? • What if you’re doing your normal shift and a warning comes in? Work health and safety is a key concern. Ensure your people have adequate training in being in hazardous zones. In Australia, for example, fire and emergency authorities hold training sessions for the media in reporting from fire zones; staff are not sent to the fire ground without having completing that training. Emergency management agencies often run media training sessions to train journalists - in the hazards of visiting fire grounds, for example. This can be especially important to participate in if only journalists accredited with such training are able to pass through roadblocks to report the story. (The training in itself is another way for the journalist to make contacts within the emergency organization and to begin building trust.) At aid organizations, training people is especially important, as they can remain on the ground for long periods of time. Finally, don’t neglect new hires and new members of your team. We have a policy of inducting staff in emergency broadcast procedures within two weeks of their starting. Emergencies unfortunately don’t wait for an annual training session! Internal communication It’s not enough to have fast communication pathways with external stakeholders. You need 89