Communication Lead

The communication lead is the main contact for communication to staff, families, and emergency responders. They contact local emergency management officials, first responders, and other emergency workers. The communication lead also give status updates to emergency workers and to staff and families.

Preparedness Actions

• Understands how to use different communication equipment and technologies, including portable radios to check updates from the National Weather Service, television, cell phones, walkie-talkies, social media, and communication apps
• Sets up emergency and backup systems for two-way communication with staff, families, community partners, and emergency services
• Tests communication systems during tabletop exercises and emergency drills
• Sets up a plan to use an alarm or special system (e.g., code, siren, or phrase announced through a speaker system or text alert) in specific emergencies, such as a tornado or emergency lockdown
• With the attendance and reunification lead, reviews and updates contact information for children, staff, families, community partners, and emergency services to make sure it is current

Response Actions

• Contacts 911 or other available emergency services as instructed by the incident leader
• Alerts children and staff to the emergency
• Updates the program’s recorded voice message, website, social media, or communication apps as needed and posts written notices for families without access to technology
• Uses backup communication systems when there is no power
• Gives status reports to the extent possible to staff, families, and response teams
• Sends out the “all clear” message from first responders when the emergency is over as instructed by the incident leader

Recovery Actions

• Informs families about program closures and reopening
• Assesses how well the program’s communications procedures worked and recommends improvements as needed

Last Updated: June 5, 2025