As I have been working on my crisis communication project, I wonder how people in history dealt with crisis situations. Did they have as many crises as we have seen now days?
It’s amazing how much we have come to rely on technology. We are very fortunate to be able to communicate a crisis through so many different ways. Some of the methods used during our flooding here in Wahpeton were: television stations- channels 4/6/11/10, Wahpeton and Fargo newspapers including the online editions, Wahpeton/Fergus Falls, MN/ Fargo radio stations and word of mouth. At the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) we also used our Web site, emails and the NotiFind System. All these various ways of communication made it easy for us to know what was happening no matter where we were.
The NotiFind System that NDSCS has started using this past year is a great crisis communication tool. Through this system we are contacted by telephone, cell phone, text messages and email of school openings or closings, emergencies, etc. The one drawback is that students, faculty and staff have to register with the system themselves. Unfortunately, we have a few that haven’t done this so they don’t get the needed information as quickly as everyone else. Also, I got a phone call at 5 a.m. one morning when they cancelled school for the day, but I knew then that I could sleep in!
These same communication systems helped us all across the state of North Dakota. Those communities needing volunteer help depended upon the communication system to help them deal with their crisis. It was great to see in the news all the good people out there helping each other. Volunteers from other states even came, which goes to show how effective the crisis communication system can be.
We here in the U.S. are very fortunate to have the communication tools, volunteers, and even financial assistance to get through a crisis. When I look at other countries and the damage they sometimes never fully recover from or they take a very long time to recover, we are very blessed here.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Crisis Communication in Wahpeton, ND
In Wahpeton we were very fortunate this year as far as flooding issues. We did have a few issues and lots of overland flooding, but right in town we were well taken care of. After the last few floods, we finally received funding to help build dikes and a diversion on the Breckenridge, MN side. Our city leaders have learned a great deal over the years as far as communication and planning and this year everything seemed to work pretty smoothly.
The city asked for volunteers for filling sandbags and also helping sandbag homes. Calls for volunteers came over the radio, television and even emails through the NDSCS campus. This seemed to be very effective.
May boys and I went to Breckenridge, MN one morning and filled sandbags. I was very surprised how well organized a system they had. The operation seemed to be running very smoothly and there were plenty of bags to meet the needs of the community. The Salvation Army was also there offering lunch to workers.
We stayed on the Wahpeton side in the afternoon and sandbagged homes there. There were many calls for assistance in the surrounding communities. The city had school buses transporting volunteers to areas. Buses were taking volunteers all over the area to help reduce unneeded traffic. Also, there were many washed out roads so travelers needed to be cautious.
The dike prevented a lot of flooding this year. The Chahinkapa Zoo has a portion of the dike running through it. They had to move the animals from the one side of the dike to the other. The animals were always safe and did not have to be moved very far.
Our Chahinkapa park system was also spared by the dike. In past years, before the dikes, our park was totally flooded. Since my husband is the park superintendent, it was very nice not to have to worry too much about flooding down there. Of course, on the north side of Wahpeton where we have “The Whopper” (our big catfish) and have a campground, got flooded. We do not have a dike at that area, but damage is very minimal in that area.
It was so nice to see all the volunteers and teamwork in the Wahpeton-Breckenridge area. Early preparation and good communication played a very positive part in fighting the flood successfully.
The city asked for volunteers for filling sandbags and also helping sandbag homes. Calls for volunteers came over the radio, television and even emails through the NDSCS campus. This seemed to be very effective.
May boys and I went to Breckenridge, MN one morning and filled sandbags. I was very surprised how well organized a system they had. The operation seemed to be running very smoothly and there were plenty of bags to meet the needs of the community. The Salvation Army was also there offering lunch to workers.
We stayed on the Wahpeton side in the afternoon and sandbagged homes there. There were many calls for assistance in the surrounding communities. The city had school buses transporting volunteers to areas. Buses were taking volunteers all over the area to help reduce unneeded traffic. Also, there were many washed out roads so travelers needed to be cautious.
The dike prevented a lot of flooding this year. The Chahinkapa Zoo has a portion of the dike running through it. They had to move the animals from the one side of the dike to the other. The animals were always safe and did not have to be moved very far.
Our Chahinkapa park system was also spared by the dike. In past years, before the dikes, our park was totally flooded. Since my husband is the park superintendent, it was very nice not to have to worry too much about flooding down there. Of course, on the north side of Wahpeton where we have “The Whopper” (our big catfish) and have a campground, got flooded. We do not have a dike at that area, but damage is very minimal in that area.
It was so nice to see all the volunteers and teamwork in the Wahpeton-Breckenridge area. Early preparation and good communication played a very positive part in fighting the flood successfully.
Monday, April 13, 2009
We Need More Good News
I had a really tough time trying to find something of interest to blog about this week. As I scanned the Web, it just seems like there is so much negative news out there. There are some positive news stories too, but the negative ones seem to far outweigh the positive ones.
I went on the CNN.com home page on Monday, April 13th and on the lower left column they list the four regions with headline news stories. Today the list included the following headlines:
Northeast
*Huge water main break floods streets
*75 sick at Passover event
*40 homes burned, firefighter injured
*Cop shootings spur 911 questions
*Priest’s car hits group outside church
South
*Woman burned while getting nails done
*Teen suffers brain injury in batting cage
*Wind-blown tree falls on nursing home
*Church uses Twitter to spread word
*Children among 5 dead from crash
Midwest
*”Miracle” flight co-pilot back in air
*Woman hit by amusement park ride
*2 officers, 2 others injured in wreck
*Cop critical after gun battle
*Pit bull saves woman from attack
West
*Four rescued from sinking boat
*2 firefighters die in intense blaze
*Trimmer trapped in palm tree dies
*Mom, son reunited on MySpace
*Couple revives poodle with CPR
Now out of these twenty stories, there were no positive headlines in the Northeast, one in the South, two in the Midwest, and three in the West. The rest were all negative news. I wonder how many hits each of these articles gets and which ones receive more hits.
I would love to see more positive stories printed. Maybe like Anne Murray’s song “A Little Good News” would go a long ways in today’s world. I think the positive stories help to lift people’s spirits and in today’s world we need all the lifting we can get. Unfortunately, they tell me that the bad news is what sells.
It would be a great survey subject to see how people respond to a week of more positive headlines than negative ones. Maybe they could have a column of negative news and a column of positive news and keep a record of how many times each column gets read. I bet people’s outlooks and moods would be just a little bit brighter.
I went on the CNN.com home page on Monday, April 13th and on the lower left column they list the four regions with headline news stories. Today the list included the following headlines:
Northeast
*Huge water main break floods streets
*75 sick at Passover event
*40 homes burned, firefighter injured
*Cop shootings spur 911 questions
*Priest’s car hits group outside church
South
*Woman burned while getting nails done
*Teen suffers brain injury in batting cage
*Wind-blown tree falls on nursing home
*Church uses Twitter to spread word
*Children among 5 dead from crash
Midwest
*”Miracle” flight co-pilot back in air
*Woman hit by amusement park ride
*2 officers, 2 others injured in wreck
*Cop critical after gun battle
*Pit bull saves woman from attack
West
*Four rescued from sinking boat
*2 firefighters die in intense blaze
*Trimmer trapped in palm tree dies
*Mom, son reunited on MySpace
*Couple revives poodle with CPR
Now out of these twenty stories, there were no positive headlines in the Northeast, one in the South, two in the Midwest, and three in the West. The rest were all negative news. I wonder how many hits each of these articles gets and which ones receive more hits.
I would love to see more positive stories printed. Maybe like Anne Murray’s song “A Little Good News” would go a long ways in today’s world. I think the positive stories help to lift people’s spirits and in today’s world we need all the lifting we can get. Unfortunately, they tell me that the bad news is what sells.
It would be a great survey subject to see how people respond to a week of more positive headlines than negative ones. Maybe they could have a column of negative news and a column of positive news and keep a record of how many times each column gets read. I bet people’s outlooks and moods would be just a little bit brighter.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Caffeine - Good or Bad?
I was surprised to read that 80 to 90 percent of North American adults and children consume caffeine products every day. When I thought about it though, this is not too hard to believe when you consider soda and chocolate as part of this. In an article posted by CNN.com entitled “Beware the perils of caffeine withdrawal”, experts estimate that about half of these people will experience withdrawal symptoms.
These withdrawal symptoms were only recognized as a disorder about five years ago by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Researchers also found that people who were unable to quit or cut down on their caffeine usage considered themselves to be addicted.
Caffeine is considered a drug, but not like cocaine or heroin. It is a mild stimulant which may make you feel good and energized. If some people don’t get their caffeine, they start feeling funny. Some symptoms that have been reported include headache, fatigue, sleepiness, inability to concentrate, depression, irritability, and flu-like symptoms to name a few. Withdrawal symptoms can start from 12 to 20 hours after your last cup of caffeine and last as long as a week.
Coffee is not the only thing that can lead to these symptoms though. Tea, cola, milk chocolate and hot chocolate also have caffeine which can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming them.
The article goes on to state that if you want to give up caffeine, to do so slowly. Maybe start by using decaffeinated products. It won’t be easy, but it will be easier than going cold-turkey.
In the article “Caffeine: How much is too much?” there was good information on when you should cut back on your caffeine intake. It indicates that two or three cups of brewed coffee a day is probably alright, but more than that could cause issues.
The MayoClinic.com Web site published an article called “Coffee and health: What does the research say?” Now here they say coffee doesn’t seem to hurt and it may even help. No wonder we are all so confused.
I use to drink one or two cups of coffee a day, most of the time just to keep warm. I don’t recall having any symptoms when I didn’t have coffee. I guess I just didn’t drink enough to matter. I am a tea drinker now and don’t even have that every day. I know of a few people that can drink a pot of coffee themselves in the morning. Those are probably the ones that are going to have withdrawal symptoms if they ever have to cut back. Also, it depends on how strong or weak your coffee is I think. My thinking is that there are worse habits out there other than drinking too much coffee!
These withdrawal symptoms were only recognized as a disorder about five years ago by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Researchers also found that people who were unable to quit or cut down on their caffeine usage considered themselves to be addicted.
Caffeine is considered a drug, but not like cocaine or heroin. It is a mild stimulant which may make you feel good and energized. If some people don’t get their caffeine, they start feeling funny. Some symptoms that have been reported include headache, fatigue, sleepiness, inability to concentrate, depression, irritability, and flu-like symptoms to name a few. Withdrawal symptoms can start from 12 to 20 hours after your last cup of caffeine and last as long as a week.
Coffee is not the only thing that can lead to these symptoms though. Tea, cola, milk chocolate and hot chocolate also have caffeine which can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming them.
The article goes on to state that if you want to give up caffeine, to do so slowly. Maybe start by using decaffeinated products. It won’t be easy, but it will be easier than going cold-turkey.
In the article “Caffeine: How much is too much?” there was good information on when you should cut back on your caffeine intake. It indicates that two or three cups of brewed coffee a day is probably alright, but more than that could cause issues.
The MayoClinic.com Web site published an article called “Coffee and health: What does the research say?” Now here they say coffee doesn’t seem to hurt and it may even help. No wonder we are all so confused.
I use to drink one or two cups of coffee a day, most of the time just to keep warm. I don’t recall having any symptoms when I didn’t have coffee. I guess I just didn’t drink enough to matter. I am a tea drinker now and don’t even have that every day. I know of a few people that can drink a pot of coffee themselves in the morning. Those are probably the ones that are going to have withdrawal symptoms if they ever have to cut back. Also, it depends on how strong or weak your coffee is I think. My thinking is that there are worse habits out there other than drinking too much coffee!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
GM Chairman and CEO Forced Out - Still Gets Millions
MSNBC.com published an article entitled "GM boss steps down at White House's request." What a nice way to say he was fired! According to the article, Chairman and CEO of General Motors Corporation, Rick Wagoner, was asked by President Obama to step down and he agreed to do so.
Wagoner has a 32 year history with GM working all over the world. The company's vice chairman and chief operating officer has now been appointed CEO. There have been mixed comments as to Wagoner's departure. Some feel the move is "political theater" and that Wagoner was a "sacrificial lamb."
Wagoner , CEO since 2007, did do plenty of good things for GM. Unfortunately, some critics say Wagoner moved too slowly. In the past four years, GM has had $82 billion in losses. But, they say he was moving the company in the right direction.
Apparently Wagoner isn't the only CEO to lose his job. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac CEO's were also forced out of their positions after the government took over the companies.
Since government loans were involved, Wagoner cannot receive a severance payment. He is eligible to retire under the GM's salaried employee and executive retirement plan. According to another article, "GM CEO gets $23 million estimated pension," he made out like a bandit, even though he was fired. Wagoner's pension was valued at $22.1 million, but he will receive that in payments over the rest of his life, so the actual amount may be different. I don't think he will be too greatly affected by a different amount with that much money! We can only wish to make that much money in a life time!! Also, he gets about $367,000 in stock awards and $535,000 in deferred compensation. Once again, someone getting fired from a job sure does get rewarded!
I guess I'm not too sure how firing the CEO's of the big companies is going to help the company. Maybe people will be happier thinking something is being done. The CEO's must report to a board of directors, don't they? The CEO doesn't make all the decisions alone. So unless there are changes made to other personnel, I don't see how things will change too much for the company. I think these firings are just more political games being played to try to make things look good.
Wagoner has a 32 year history with GM working all over the world. The company's vice chairman and chief operating officer has now been appointed CEO. There have been mixed comments as to Wagoner's departure. Some feel the move is "political theater" and that Wagoner was a "sacrificial lamb."
Wagoner , CEO since 2007, did do plenty of good things for GM. Unfortunately, some critics say Wagoner moved too slowly. In the past four years, GM has had $82 billion in losses. But, they say he was moving the company in the right direction.
Apparently Wagoner isn't the only CEO to lose his job. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac CEO's were also forced out of their positions after the government took over the companies.
Since government loans were involved, Wagoner cannot receive a severance payment. He is eligible to retire under the GM's salaried employee and executive retirement plan. According to another article, "GM CEO gets $23 million estimated pension," he made out like a bandit, even though he was fired. Wagoner's pension was valued at $22.1 million, but he will receive that in payments over the rest of his life, so the actual amount may be different. I don't think he will be too greatly affected by a different amount with that much money! We can only wish to make that much money in a life time!! Also, he gets about $367,000 in stock awards and $535,000 in deferred compensation. Once again, someone getting fired from a job sure does get rewarded!
I guess I'm not too sure how firing the CEO's of the big companies is going to help the company. Maybe people will be happier thinking something is being done. The CEO's must report to a board of directors, don't they? The CEO doesn't make all the decisions alone. So unless there are changes made to other personnel, I don't see how things will change too much for the company. I think these firings are just more political games being played to try to make things look good.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Advertisements and My Thoughts
I like the FreeCreditReport.com advertisements. The catchy little jingles are the first thing that caught my attention. I have seen at least four or five different commercials on the television and each jingle has a different story, but the message is always the same, "Get your free credit report and stay out of trouble." The main character of the commercial also gets my attention with his cute baby face and his little backup band is always in the picture. The public relations person that developed this relationship is on the right track. The jingles and characters just seem to go together and are easy to relate to. On the the other hand, my husband and two sons don't like the commercials. They think they are dumb! But, my sons do know all the jingles!
I just saw a commercial advertising VESIcare. I know these advertisements are on television and in magazines. Now that is creative advertising. Creating little people out of piping is so appropriate for this product. Overactive bladder issues and little plumbing people is something not everyone can relate to, but the message is clear. I think this is very effective advertising and the creative use of piping is unique.
Fastfood places are trying to sell us on the fact that they are making their food healthier. The Arby's RoastBurger is a new, non-greasy thinly-sliced oven roasted burger that is never fried. It's got lettuce and tomatoes which are good for you. Sure roast beef is better for you, but there's still bacon, cheese, sauces and the bun. Of course, when I went to their Web site I couldn't find the calorie count for these never fried, non-greasy burgers. They sure do look good and the commercial is very appealing.
The Jenny Craig commercials are easy to relate to. "If I can do it, you can too" is always a challenge for people. Valerie Bertinelli is a great spokesperson for the program. Her before and after pictures are a great testimony. But, did she lose the weight by just eating the Jenny Craig food or did she exercise alot? Is she going to live on the Jenny Craig diet for the rest of her life? If not, what will happen to her weight when she goes on her own? We can all lose the weight on these programs, but unless we learn how to eat differently and watch what we eat, weight will always be an issue. People need to realize that Jenny Craig can help them lose the weight, but unless they plan to live on the diet the rest of their lives, they need to make some changes.
I just saw a commercial advertising VESIcare. I know these advertisements are on television and in magazines. Now that is creative advertising. Creating little people out of piping is so appropriate for this product. Overactive bladder issues and little plumbing people is something not everyone can relate to, but the message is clear. I think this is very effective advertising and the creative use of piping is unique.
Fastfood places are trying to sell us on the fact that they are making their food healthier. The Arby's RoastBurger is a new, non-greasy thinly-sliced oven roasted burger that is never fried. It's got lettuce and tomatoes which are good for you. Sure roast beef is better for you, but there's still bacon, cheese, sauces and the bun. Of course, when I went to their Web site I couldn't find the calorie count for these never fried, non-greasy burgers. They sure do look good and the commercial is very appealing.
The Jenny Craig commercials are easy to relate to. "If I can do it, you can too" is always a challenge for people. Valerie Bertinelli is a great spokesperson for the program. Her before and after pictures are a great testimony. But, did she lose the weight by just eating the Jenny Craig food or did she exercise alot? Is she going to live on the Jenny Craig diet for the rest of her life? If not, what will happen to her weight when she goes on her own? We can all lose the weight on these programs, but unless we learn how to eat differently and watch what we eat, weight will always be an issue. People need to realize that Jenny Craig can help them lose the weight, but unless they plan to live on the diet the rest of their lives, they need to make some changes.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND makes bad decision
The inforum.com recently published a story entitled "Blue Cross Blue Shield ND sales leaders rewarded with trip to Grand Cayman Islands resort." What was Blue Cross Blue Shield thinking?
It seems that the top sales staff, consisting of 35 employees and a guest, were awarded a trip to the Grand Cayman Islands. This little reward trip included an allowance for each employee and a guest of up to $6500, including $2000 for airfare, $1500 in cash, and $300 for hotel. I sure wish I could earn a trip like this and get spending money on top of it all!! A side note, the CEO also went on this trip. The total budget was up to $227,500. This figures out to about 90 cents for each policyholder.
Now this is all fine and dandy in previous economic times, but not a wise decision at the present. In fact, Blue Cross Blue Shield wants to increase premiums up to 18.3 percent for individuals who are not covered in a group, 11.4 percent for group coverage and 20 percent for college students.
Apparently Blue Cross Blue Shield had a $9 million loss last year just from operations. When investments are added into the loss, the total loss is $28 million.
After this bit of news was released, the back lashing started. Next I read in an article "Blue to ditch incentive trip" that the CEO will pay his own expenses. Oh, by the way, he was planning to pay for his expenses all along! While talking on a radio talk show he made the comment that he had determined before the show that he would cover his own expenses. I have my own opinion on that comment, but will keep it to myself.
The ND Insurance Commissioner, Adam Hamm, is now considering an audit of Blue Cross Blue Shield. He wants to delve into the executive compensation and the reward trip and get a complete picture of how these things are determined. Hamm states that "there doesn't seem to be any sacrifice on their side, the company side. That is where the anger and confusion comes in."
But, in an article by Mike McFeely of the in-forum.com called "Bad PR at heart of Blue's problems", Mr. Hamm has feuded with Blue Cross Blue Shield for years. McFeely indicates that the biggest losers in all this mess are the sales people. I guess I have to agree with that.
Didn't anybody think of what happened to the big automakers? Their bad decision of flying in a private jet to ask for money made big headlines, as well as the bad decisions by the big banks. Blue Cross Blue Shield spending big money on uxorious reward trips while asking for rate increases is not so very different!
I'm not sure who makes the decisions of taking these trips, but there's got to be someone in the offices with some common sense, doesn't there? I hope other companies are paying attention to this PR mess and take heed. You just don't spend money on non-essentials in the current economy and expect to get away with it. You wouldn't run your personal household that way, don't run a company like it.
It seems that the top sales staff, consisting of 35 employees and a guest, were awarded a trip to the Grand Cayman Islands. This little reward trip included an allowance for each employee and a guest of up to $6500, including $2000 for airfare, $1500 in cash, and $300 for hotel. I sure wish I could earn a trip like this and get spending money on top of it all!! A side note, the CEO also went on this trip. The total budget was up to $227,500. This figures out to about 90 cents for each policyholder.
Now this is all fine and dandy in previous economic times, but not a wise decision at the present. In fact, Blue Cross Blue Shield wants to increase premiums up to 18.3 percent for individuals who are not covered in a group, 11.4 percent for group coverage and 20 percent for college students.
Apparently Blue Cross Blue Shield had a $9 million loss last year just from operations. When investments are added into the loss, the total loss is $28 million.
After this bit of news was released, the back lashing started. Next I read in an article "Blue to ditch incentive trip" that the CEO will pay his own expenses. Oh, by the way, he was planning to pay for his expenses all along! While talking on a radio talk show he made the comment that he had determined before the show that he would cover his own expenses. I have my own opinion on that comment, but will keep it to myself.
The ND Insurance Commissioner, Adam Hamm, is now considering an audit of Blue Cross Blue Shield. He wants to delve into the executive compensation and the reward trip and get a complete picture of how these things are determined. Hamm states that "there doesn't seem to be any sacrifice on their side, the company side. That is where the anger and confusion comes in."
But, in an article by Mike McFeely of the in-forum.com called "Bad PR at heart of Blue's problems", Mr. Hamm has feuded with Blue Cross Blue Shield for years. McFeely indicates that the biggest losers in all this mess are the sales people. I guess I have to agree with that.
Didn't anybody think of what happened to the big automakers? Their bad decision of flying in a private jet to ask for money made big headlines, as well as the bad decisions by the big banks. Blue Cross Blue Shield spending big money on uxorious reward trips while asking for rate increases is not so very different!
I'm not sure who makes the decisions of taking these trips, but there's got to be someone in the offices with some common sense, doesn't there? I hope other companies are paying attention to this PR mess and take heed. You just don't spend money on non-essentials in the current economy and expect to get away with it. You wouldn't run your personal household that way, don't run a company like it.
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