DISASTER PLAN
KBJR, DULUTH, MN
(updated 2-4-03)

BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES:

• Keep a working set of gear off-site nights and weekends.
• Have on-call photographer/cell-phone-pagers for key staff.
• Hire security firm to listen to scanner and page staff during off-hours.
• Keep a mobile unit with two-way & cell-phone off-site.
• Live truck should be outfitted with editing and studio gear to allow remote broadcast setup.
• Have arrangements with backup studio facility.
  -The Iron Range newsroom should be used for instant-response live coverage if Canal Park facility is evacuated. Route IRN through directly to air and put Range staff on-air until additional staff can get to Virginia.
• Load newsroom software in two off-site computers.
• Keep copy of news/traffic/financial archive on tape off-site.
• Have off-site taping service available with 30-day commercial/story archive.
• Have arrangements with a nearby hotel and restaurant in case crews must spend the night.
• Anchors should keep spare on-air clothing in the building.
• All producers and managers must have staff phone/pager lists at home.
• All producers and managers must have copy of disaster plan at home
  

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES:

The disaster plan can be activated for problems with our facility, like fires or power outages, major spot news stories like riots or hostage situations or disasters that strike the community, like snowstorms or floods.

1. Disaster coverage must be called. This is the responsibility of the on-duty producer.
   -Make sure Master Control is watching for coverage and knows who to notify.
   -Monitor CNN and be ready to take it live if NBC lacks key coverage.
2. The producer determines if an immediate on-air response is needed and does so, followed by notification of a manager.
3. The manager decides if additional staffing is required and if other departments will be affected, and notifies department heads who activate staff as needed for operations or newsroom support.
4. The manager establishes a command center, generally in the newsroom, and makes sure we have equipment and personnel in place if off-site.
5. Decisions to make:
   -Do we carry local or national coverage?
   -Do we carry commercials?
   -Prepare opens or graphic elements to brand coverage.
6. Make sure station telephones are adequately covered.
7. Make sure web coverage is in place.
8. Prepare graphic crawls for emergency messages or coverage instructions.
   

TERRORISM/VIOLENCE

In the event of an ongoing crisis, such as a hostage situation or an armed standoff, disaster coverage requires some special rules:

1. Assume those responsible are watching. Never give away law enforcement position or strategy.
2. Discuss whether reporting any information could endanger lives or threaten national security.
3. Do not have an alarmist or sensational tone in your reporting.
4. Do not interfere with rescue or enforcement operations.
5. Do not report material directly from police scanner.
6. Avoid naming specific victims if possible until names are released.
7. Involve a senior manager in all live plans.