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Risk vs Crisis Communication

What’s the difference?

Risk communications occur proactively, usually before an actual emergency occurs. It aims to educate, inform, and raise awareness about risks and what actions to take to mitigate them.

Crisis communication involves providing accurate, timely, and relevant information during an emergency to manage information flow, address concerns, and guide actions.

An integral component of your plan

Crisis communication involves more than key message creation and spokesperson prep.

At Hour-Zero, we recognize that fact and incorporate solid research, best practices, and behavioral theories to create effective strategies and resources for all phases of your plan.

That means addressing your risk AND crisis communications needs.

We apply concepts such as behavioral economics, negative dominance, and trust determination to improve the effectiveness of your emergency communications.

Our communications plans promote standardized, efficient, and coordinated communications while recognizing the needs of diverse stakeholders.

Need assistance? Our communications specialists are available to provide additional support through communications training, campaign development, or crucial communications aidt in times of emergency.

An illustration showing a mockup of the HZ Alert app.

Did you know Hour-Zero has an emergency communication tool? It’s true!

HZ Alert – a mobile and web-friendly application that integrates with the Hour-Zero School Emergency Program.

Messages that are heard, understood, and trusted by stakeholders.

Ready-to-use resources to meet instant information demands.

The Hour-Zero School Emergency Program delves into every aspect of risk and crisis communications, equipping schools with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging landscape of potential crises.

  • We understand that each incident is unique, with its own set of challenges and circumstances. That’s why we provide customizable resources that can be adapted and personalized to meet your specific needs.

From formulating preventive measures to guiding post-event recovery, our resources provide a roadmap for schools to face any emergency that comes their way confidently.

  • Media releases
  • Letters to parents
  • Staff memos/emails
  • Facebook posting templates
  • Twitter appropriate messages
  • Public service announcements
  • Newsletter articles
  • Classroom discussion guides
  • Letters for the community
  • Board information briefings
  • Message Maps
  • Receptionist scripts
  • Staff agendas… and much more
  • Readiness Campaigns
  • Parent videos and support materials
  • Plan Summaries
  • Well-defined processes
  • Media relations strategies
  • Crisis notification networks
  • Social media tactics
  • Privacy issues policies
  • Sole source practices
  • Activation processes
  • Interoperability and redundancy
  • Technology solutions

Hour-Zero boasts the largest selection of emergency communications resources for K-12 schools.

With 400+ helpful, ready-to-use resources, schools are well-equipped to address stakeholder needs.

Hour-Zero gives me the confidence to effectively respond to a multitude of crises at a moment's notice, and the ability to easily manage every component of our crisis communications plan.

Communications DirectorGYPSD

Hour-Zero's communications templates are my daily go-to. With very minor customizations, we've ready to roll information or updates out to stakeholder in a matter of minutes.

Communications Director / PIORVS

In a crisis, our parents want to be informed immediately. We must be able to react swiftly to whatever comes our way. Hour-Zero offers reassurance that we have prepared pre-written communications to get through difficult moments.

Superintendent (Former)SJUSD

Call us to talk about your crisis communications needs.

Discover more industry-leading services available from Hour‑Zero.