• Like police, firefighters, paramedics and others, journalists often arrive on the scene minutes after disaster strikes. Like other first responders, journalists should be mindful of their own safety.
• If possible, find out the nature of the situation before arriving on the scene. Are hazardous materials involved? First responders may have shared this information among themselves but may not have considered notifying journalists.
• After you arrive on the scene, find out who is in charge of the emergency-response operation. Track down
the public-information officer.
• Be cautious when approaching people who may have been traumatized. Carefully explain who you are and what you're doing. "Hello, I'm a reporter with ..."
• After introducing yourself, start with a question such as "Are you okay?" The answer will give you a sense of the person's mental state.
• Avoid eye-witness accounts by those still in shock and numb from the experience or by those who are openly grieving.
• If they seem like they might be well enough for an interview, ask them something like "Is it okay if I ask you a few questions for my story?"
• If they don't seem well enough for an interview, consider giving them your business card and say "If you think you might be able to help me with my story, give me a call."
• Disaster-relief organizations such as the Red Cross may be helpful with providing information or arranging contact with victims who would like to speak with news media.
• Victims may ask you for help. Be careful not to promise help if you're not prepared to follow through.
• If you witnessed a traumatic scene, find a way to relax within a day or two. If you have a favorite stress-reduction technique (exercise, yoga, art, etc), do it.
• It's common to experience emotional distress in the weeks after witnessing a traumatic event. If the distress doesn't subside over time, however, you ought to consider seeking professional help.
Dart Center Resources
• "Five Steps To Covering a Disaster Effectively," by Joe Hight. Hight, managing editor of The Oklahoman, discusses how newsrooms can approach disaster coverage.
• "The Scene," part one of the Dart Center's "The First 24 Hours" self-study unit. A look at the challenges faced by journalists at a disaster scene.
• "Managing Traumatic Incidents & the Media: Issues for Journalists & Emergency Services," by
Anne Eyre.
"It is now generally recognized that the media are an integral part of the response generated by large scale emergencies or 'major incidents.'" Eyre writes.
• "In today's society in which terrorism has become even more of a threat, journalists and their supervisors must be aware of possible safety and ethical issues," write Joe Hight and Frank Smyth in "Journalist as First Responder," Chapter 7 of "Tragedies & Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage."
Links & Sources
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has information about how disasters can affect children. The NCTSN has also published guidelines for journalists covering traumatic events.
• "Resources for Journalists," from the National Transportation Safety Board.
• "Survivors of Natural Disasters," A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet.
• "Dealing With Disaster," By Joe Strupp and Doug Cosper, Editor & Publisher.
• "In the News Archive," resources (stories, data, links) compiled for past breaking news stories by Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc. Topics include tanker crashes, earthquakes, severe winter storms, building collapses, wildfires and hurricanes.
|
