Public Perceptions in Spill Response

Abstract

ABSTRACT The federal on-scene coordinator's public information mechanism is an often underused resource that can help responders overcome communications problems and better accomplish goals in spill situations. Media coverage of recent spills indicates recurring problems with regard to the way the responses were perceived. Responders’ actions tended to be characterized by contradiction and misunderstanding, questions about leadership, and failure to act in a timely manner. This paper examines some of that media coverage and outlines the basic guidelines which federal on-scene coordinators use to avoid such problems: access, focus, and control/coordination. The paper is intended to help the response community better understand the OSC's public information role and missions; it may help the response community make greater use of the OSC public information program to communicate vital information during a spill response.