CERC: Psychology of a Crisis

• The four ways people process information during a crisis
• Mental states during a disaster, such as uncertainty, helplessness, and hopelessness
• Risk perception and behaviors 

CERC: Messages and Audiences  

Last updated 2018

• Understanding your audiences
• Making facts work in your message
• Building credibility and trust
• Gathering audience feedback

CERC: Crisis Communication Plans

• Phases of a crisis
• Developing the plan
• Applying the plan throughout CERC lifecycle 

CERC: Spokesperson

• The role of the spokesperson in crisis communication
• Characteristics and best practices of a spokesperson
• Working with the media and public meetings 

CERC: Working with the Media

• The media’s role in a crisis, disaster, or emergency
• Interacting with the media and developing positive relationships
• Meeting media needs throughout an emergency
• Responding to media regarding significant errors, myths, and misperceptions 

CERC: Other Communication Channels

• Communication channel attributes
• Channel characteristics and features
• Applying specific communication tools 

CERC: Social Media and Mobile Devices

• Social media’s relationship with mainstream media
• Role of social media in a crisis
• Responding to social media regarding serious errors, myths, and misperceptions

 CERC: Terrorism and Bioterrorism Communication Challenges 

Last updated 2014

• Challenges to communicating during chemical, biological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) events.
• Understanding psychological responses to terrorism
• Communicating about the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)

• Appropriate staffing and preparation to maintain the well-being of communicators
• Preparing for and addressing the mental health of responders and their families

 CERC: Understanding the Roles of Federal, State, and Local Community Health Partners 

Last updated 2014

• Key federal government agencies that may be involved in an emergency response and their roles.
• How communities, local and federal government agencies, and national and international organizations coordinate and communicate in a response

CERC: Media and Public Health Law

• Laws and regulations that protect privacy
• State public health emergency powers
• Laws regarding freedom of speech, Freedom of Information Act, and Copyright law