Lessons Learned from the #UintahFire
Holin Willbanks
THE TIMELINE
7:15 am- The call 7:45 am- Highway 89 &84 shut down 8:00 am- Three homes lost 10:00 am – Schools evacuated By nightfall, 900+ people evacuated
THE WHY
THE WHO
THE NUMBERS
6 press conferences over 3 days Facebook alone: Over 1,000 likes added in 48 hours 94,079 video views 378,889 impressions 3,141 likes 2,205 shares
Twitter- press, Facebook and Instagrampeople
THE RESULTS
THE RESULTS
THE WINS
Hashtag- #UintahFire Weber County was the accurate source of information for citizens, press. Briefings with the family first, press second. Recap video
THE VIDEO
IT’S NOT OVER WHEN THE FIRE IS OUT
Community Recovery
10 dumpsters set out for live waste USU extension horticulalist Recovery documentation disseminated by volunteers throughout the neighborhoods All recovery information posted to the county website
LESSONS LEARNED
Lead PIO in ICP Evacuee advocate and PIO Who needs to be in the know? Communication plan included in the Wildland Urban Interface Plan Crisis communication will be channeled to one point (Be Ready Weber) Human resources (literally)
THE MAIN POINTS
Have your communications platforms up and ACTIVE. Press and your constituents In emergency management, press releases are dead.
Have your house in order. Maximize and coordinate your team members. Communications PIO position is all your constituents see. Know YOUR role.
Thank-you! Holin Wilbanks Ph: 801-513-4203 Email: Hwilbanks@co.weber.ut.us