Most government website
should have the following material ready to be communicated on the homepage in case of emergency:
- Hotline for the public to use 24/7
- Agency’s area of responsibility, i.e. what services will it provide in case of emergency
- Directions to citizens on how to act in case of emergency
Emergency Messages are of vital importance. In case of crisis situation, news
should be posted as soon as possible to avoid rumors and panic. Information
must be communicated as follows:
- Brief description of the situation
- Location of the emergency (if applicable)
- Steps that are being implemented by the government
- Practical advice to citizen
- News must be written in an assertive manner to portray control and convey a feeling of security to the reader
Example:
An avalanche has occurred in XXXXX where six people were trapped in the mountains; the XXXXX is present on site and is working on extracting the entrapped citizens. For inquiries, please call 961-X-XXXXXX
Users look for government websites in cases of emergency, therefore it is advisable that this emergency alert be very visible and provides detailed instructions to the public. The most effective method for the emergency message is to be posted on the home page in the center with a noticeable font and color, or alternatively a pop out window.