7 - Creating a public press release - Andrea Graff

Andrea Graff

CREATING A PUBLIC PRESS RELEASE

Reference: (2006). Crisis and emergency risk communication tool kit. cdph. Retrieved from: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Documents/Security/CERCtoolkit.pdf

Theme: Tips for writing a press release in an emergency situation.

Summary:

• Make sure your name, or whoever is going to be the spokesperson for the agency, and number are on top, easily seen, and clearly written. Journalists may need to call to regarding the information.

• Press releases should be limited to 1 to 2 pages. The most important information known as the 5 W's and H should be at the very beginning and the rest of the information "should go into an attached fact sheet or backgrounder".

• Create your headlines in an active voice and don't forget to include the date. Make sure to do privacy and security checks before releasing your report and make sure it reads easily. Avoid jargon and large words.

Application to the lesson topic:
Knowing how to write press releases and what information needs to be in them and where is an art that should be mastered early in your career.

Application to emergency services:
We need to understand how to write a press release and practice doing this way before an event occurs. Being able to dissect the pertinent information you want to get out to the public takes time and practice to get down.