When a serious incident happens in one community, it can understandably affect how people in neighboring communities think about their own public events. People start to ask questions like “Will I feel safe attending?” “Should this event be postponed or canceled?”
Community leaders should first consider whether an incident in a neighboring community could have implications for their own. That means taking a step back and considering the potential for spillover or how it could affect public perception in their own community. Leaders shouldn’t simply assume that since it happened in another community, it wouldn’t happen at theirs.
For community leaders, there are a few things to help your community be prepared:
- Review safety plans and procedures. Take a look at the event’s current emergency procedures; staffing, security and communication protocols; and contingency plans. Make sure all staff know their role and how decisions will be made if circumstances change.
- Prepare talking points. Staff and elected officials may receive questions about whether an upcoming event is still happening and what safety measures will be in place. Develop consistent messages in advance and distribute them internally.
- Share resources. Consider using your communication channels to give residents mental health, crisis or other community support resources.
- Communicate proactively. If an event is moving forward, tell the residents and be transparent. Explain what they can expect and any information about additional steps that are being taken to help create a safe space.
While you may not be able to control what happens in surrounding communities, you can control how prepared yours is to respond.