Disaster and Crisis Coverage - International News Safety Institute

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
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