By Dave Charles
Weather events like Cyclone Alfred that left its mark on Queensland and New South Wales recently requires a clear plan for your station to follow to keep you audience up to the minute on important changes and things to note.
Program Directors play a crucial role in ensuring that both on-air staff and the audience are well-prepared for a major weather event like a cyclone. Here’s some key advice:
For On-Air Staff:
1. Stay Updated & Verify Information – Regularly monitor official sources like meteorological departments, emergency management agencies, and local authorities. Avoid spreading unverified information.
2. Communicate Clearly & Calmly – Keep messages concise, clear, and reassuring. Avoid sensationalism that may cause panic.
3. Provide Actionable Information – Share evacuation routes, emergency shelters, supply checklists, and safety measures. Emphasise early preparation.
4. Use Multiple Channels – Broadcast updates on radio, social media, and websites to reach the widest audience possible.
5. Prepare Backup Plans – Have alternative communication methods ready in case of power or network failures (e.g., backup generators, satellite phones).
6. Coordinate with Authorities – Work with local emergency services to provide accurate and timely information. Use up-to-the-minute clips from fire and police authorities to keep your audience informed. Focus on key community area first where the storm is at it peak.
For the Audience:
1. Stay Informed – Keep tuned in to reliable news sources and official weather updates. Let your audience know that your news department is an extension of the national emergency network that will provide update storm information at any minute.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit – Essentials include food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, important documents, and medications. Stations should look at getting these kits co-sponsored through fire and police departments. They should be readily available through major grocery and retail outlets.
3. Secure Property – Reinforce doors and windows, bring loose outdoor items inside, and follow local evacuation guidelines if necessary. Most injuries occur because property hasn’t been secured.
4. Have a Communication Plan – Ensure all family members know where to go and how to stay in touch in case of separation. With modern surveillance camera’s most can follow the storm on their digital device while keeping save in their shelter/home.
5. Follow Safety Instructions – If authorities advise evacuation, do so immediately. Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters. You never know what’s in the water during massive storm surges.
6. After the Cyclone – Be cautious of hazards like fallen power lines, debris, and contaminated water. Wait for official clearance before returning home. This is where stations can give valuable info from authorities on areas to avoid while downed electrical wiring is being cleared and returned to normal service.
By ensuring on-air staff are well-prepared and delivering practical, calm, and clear messages, program directors can play a vital role in keeping the community safe during a cyclone.
Make sure that during and after the weather event that you let you audience know what services you providing so that you can get credit for being a great community leader in tough times.
About the Author
Dave Charles, President Media RESULTS Inc. 
Mobile: +1 289 242 8313.
Email: [email protected]