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Information sharing and crisis communication

Information sharing is key to effective management of disasters and major incidents — especially in a border region such as the Meuse-Rhine Euregion. Whether it concerns the exchange of knowledge and data between emergency services or the rapid dissemination of advice to the population, clear, timely, and coordinated information sharing is an essential aspect of cross-border cooperation.

Collaboration = sharing information

The swift sharing of information is essential for fast and efficient emergency response. Whether it concerns operational information exchange between control rooms and units in the field, or policy decisions between governments and services: clear agreements are crucial. EMRIC removes barriers so that information can flow freely and accurately across language and national borders. The necessary agreements have been made and are being followed up in various working groups. In addition, this is also regularly addressed during exercises. In this way, we build a coordinated and effective approach.

Informing citizens

In the event of a large-scale incident, the news does not stop at the border. Citizens expect clear information, regardless of whether they live in the Netherlands, Belgium, or Germany. EMRIC enables emergency services and governments to coordinate their communications in crisis situations. In this way, we ensure that people are informed quickly, accurately, and comprehensibly, in their own language and through the appropriate channels.

Liaisons and crisis communicators

Within EMRIC, a group of liaisons and crisis communicators meets regularly to focus specifically on crisis communication. This group includes representatives of the EMRIC partners from all three countries. Together, they make agreements and exchange knowledge and experiences relating to situations in which rapid communication is of vital importance.

In addition to crisis communication, the partners are also increasingly considering other forms of joint communication. How can we inform residents in advance about potential risks in their area? What information will help them to be better prepared? Here too, the partners within EMRIC are looking for joint strategies so that residents know clearly where they stand, regardless of which side of the border they live on.

Making EMRIC more visible

At the same time, EMRIC is also increasingly focusing on publicizing its own initiatives, actions, and collaborations, both to the general public and to partners, professionals, and policymakers. After all, the better people know EMRIC, the stronger the collaboration will be.