Crisis messaging

Crisis messages about public services need to inform people while keeping them calm and confident. The way we share urgent updates affects how different community members respond, from parents looking for clear guidance to people who may feel anxious about sudden changes.

Creating balanced crisis messages:

• Calm tone: Share facts clearly without causing unnecessary worry
• Simple guidance: Break down needed actions into manageable steps
• Supportive language: Help people feel capable of handling changes
• Timing sensitivity: Give people enough time to adjust to updates
• Reliable updates: Set clear expectations about when new information comes
• Helpful resources: Include ways to get more help or support