Disaster and Crisis Coverage - International News Safety Institute

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Personal preparation A crisis, by definition, means a story that will last more than a few days. It can often mean personal hardship for journalists and their families. Being prepared can help journalists focus on the job at hand and serve their audience better. Disasters can happen at any time, so it’s a good idea for reporters and photographers to keep a bag ready that they can grab on their way out the door. Suggested contents: Essential Phone, camera/recorder, laptop computer, notebook, ballpoint pens, business cards International Center for Journalists 24
Disaster and Crisis Coverage Backups Pencils, batteries, chargers for all electronics (with car adapter), phone card, cash and spare change Survival Water, food (such as high energy/protein bars), toiletries, first aid kit, personal medication, hand sanitizer, wipes, band aids, battery or crank-powered radio, compass, maps Seasonal Sunscreen, bug repellent, hat, boots, packable rain jacket, fleece pullover, hand/ feet warmer packets Practical Flashlight (or headlamp), binoculars, knife or all-purpose “Leatherman” tool, large and small plastic bags, rubber bands, heavy duty tape, thermometer. Reference First aid guide (http://www.newssafety.org/images/stories/pdf/safetyresource/ guides/firstaidhandbook.pdf), pocket guide to chemical hazards (http:// www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/), reference sheets on terrorist threats (http:// www.nae.edu/nae/pubundcom.nsf/weblinks/cgoz-642p3w?opendocument). It’s also a good idea to keep a change of clothing at the office, especially for TV journalists who must go on the air. Some of these items may be kept in news cars. At a minimum, all cars should be equipped with bottled water, a gas can and tire sealer, which can be used to mend a puncture. Some veterans recommend keeping a blanket and pillow in each car, as well. Family concerns Anticipating the impact of a disaster on family members can help journalists prepare to do their jobs under difficult circumstances. Journalists will want to let family members know that they are safe and to find out if everyone at home is safe as well. So it’s a good idea to have a family emergency plan that includes an out-of-town contact person who can communicate information to separated family members. Natural disasters know no boundaries. Journalists’ homes may be damaged or destroyed along with everyone else’s. It can be difficult to stay on the job knowing that one’s home is not secure. If a disaster can be anticipated, such as 25
Page 1 and 2: Disaster and Crisis Coverage By Deb
Page 3 and 4: About the Authors Deborah Potter De
Page 5 and 6: About the International Center for
Page 7 and 8: Disaster and Crisis Coverage 4 Natu
Page 9 and 10: Disaster and Crisis Coverage Recogn
Page 11 and 12: Disaster and Crisis Coverage Also,
Page 13 and 14: Disaster and Crisis Coverage Organi
Page 15 and 16: Disaster and Crisis Coverage Prepar
Page 18 and 19: vulnerable to longer-term droughts,
Page 20 and 21: Newsroom start-up guide It’s amaz
Page 22 and 23: Newsroom back-up planning When a di
Page 26 and 27: a hurricane, journalists should ens
Page 28 and 29: Information gathering Who will work
Page 30 and 31: Reporting a crisis Stay calm. Be cl
Page 32 and 33: ✦ Intelligence/national response:
Page 34 and 35: www.journalistsatrisk.org/safety_ti
Page 36 and 37: set up a blog “to preserve the st
Page 38 and 39: Journalism and trauma Introduction
Page 40 and 41: What is traumatic stress? A terribl
Page 42 and 43: ✦ Irritability ✦ Sleeplessness
Page 44 and 45: According to the American Psychiatr
Page 46 and 47: Tips for Dealing with Victims and S
Page 48 and 49: ✦ Respect the person’s efforts
Page 50 and 51: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Do
Page 52 and 53: Coaching through crisis News manage
Page 54 and 55: Case Study: Editor reaches out Afte
Page 56 and 57: ✦ If distress continues past thre
Page 58 and 59: Notes International Center for Jour
Page 60: 1616 H Street, 3rd Floor Washington

Disaster and Crisis Coverage - International News Safety Institute

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