Why Every Communicator Needs a Playbook Before the Next Emergency

When the next crisis hits — and it will — it won’t wait for you to find the right words. Emergencies move faster than approval chains. They overwhelm systems. They test people at their worst moments. And in that chaos, communities expect one thing: clear, trusted communication.

A playbook isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

Why a Playbook Matters

In a crisis, stress hijacks decision-making. Even the most experienced communicators struggle when the phones don’t stop ringing, social media is in overdrive, and leadership wants an update five minutes ago. A playbook gives you structure when your brain is overwhelmed.