Media SOP’s for Reporting on Disasters – Reporters
Develop private contacts with disaster experts before disasters happen; know who they are, their exact specialty and have regular contact with them.
Have a contact list for experts in urban risks, early warning systems, climate change, gender, environmental and development issues to enrich the disaster story
Have contacts with national and local meteorological departments, disaster managers, ministers and ministries involved in disaster reduction, civil protection or civil defence
Media SOP’s for Reporting on Disasters – Reporters
Maintain updated lists of experts for every type of hazard likely to happen in your country
Keep updated statistics on previous events in your region
Become familiar with the most disaster-prone zones and vulnerable areas
Keep a track record of past disasters and lessons learned.
Get familiar with the main prevention and mitigation measures taken by your authorities so that you are ready when disasters strike
Know the factors that can make a disaster worse
Base your information only on sound scientific knowledge
Invest in DRR knowledge to dig out stories later on
Listen to communities and what they have to say
Guidelines for Reporting on Disasters
It is the responsibility of electronic and print media reporter to seek and provide accurate information to the public. Reporters should be accountable for their actions
Electronic media reporters should sensitize the public on the significance of preparedness by producing programs, documentaries, dramas, and songs on disasters and their impacts.
Electronic media can play a vital role in providing early warnings to the public but care should be taken while transmission of the early warning. Message should be phrased clearly and confirmed through the reliable sources to avoid false reports and unnecessary panic.
