Communicating in the First Hours
Message Template for the First Minutes for all Emergencies

Message Template for the First Minutes for all Emergencies

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The suggested template below could be used in the first minutes after a suspected terrorism incident when little is known.

1. Please pay close attention. This is an urgent health message from [your public health agency].
2. Officials [emergency, public health, etc.] believe there has been a serious incident [describe incident including time and location] in xxx area.
3. At this time, we do not know the cause or other details about the incident.
4. Local officials are investigating and will work with State and Federal officials to provide updated information as soon as possible.
5. Stay informed and follow the instructions of health officials so you can protect yourself, your family and your community against this public health threat.
6. Give specific information about when and how the next update will be given

When more information is known, additional messages could be added about what is happening, the specific terrorist agent, the actions people should take to protect themselves and others and where to go for more information. Since these messages were developed to be effective for a variety of scenarios, they will need to be adapted to the specific event.