Hey, remember when listening to the local radio station at 7.40am was how you found out about school closures? Good times.
Today, things are much more complex. The public sector has the tools to talk to people directly. Information and also counter-argument. It is not enough to tell people with words. In the days of fake news you have to use video or images. I’ve blogged examples of video here.
But how about images?
Well, if a picture can paint a thousand words then use more of them.
An image from the frontline of a rescue
Macclesfield Police were involved in a rescue of a couple who took their baby for a ride and then got stuck in sub-zero temperature. The shot taken on a smartphone shows just what they are up against.
Huge 4 hour rescue operation by police, @CheshireSAR and @EnvAgency and local farmers to locate and get to a family with their 17mth old baby who went for a pleasure drive in the #snow, and ended up like this! Photo taken as Sgt Simpson and @PCSOJackson located them. #lucky pic.twitter.com/pgrM6gUu1b
— Macclesfield Police (@PoliceMacc) March 1, 2018
An image from the frontline of road conditions and a closure
A shot posted quickly by a frontline officer to the web can be shared swiftly.
Following a road traffic collision, officers have closed the town gate bridge towards Hamworthy. pic.twitter.com/yrBf0hknDL
— Dorset Police (@dorsetpolice) March 1, 2018
An image of stills from the traffic cameras
While the best content is outside the office there is a way to stay in the office and get something usable. Images of road conditions taken from traffic cameras acts as a warning. And you get to stay in the warm.
*** URGENT NOTICE ***
A68 is currently closed south of Jedburgh. No vehicle access. pic.twitter.com/MURMukX186— SBC (@scotborders) March 1, 2018
An image of text
For all engaging image can attract attention 80 per cent of people in an emergency just want text. This screenshot does just that and drives traffic.
#alert Our school closure decision for tomorrow Friday 2 March pic.twitter.com/ITxpbtTjKG
— North Ayrshire (@North_Ayrshire) March 1, 2018
An image of conditions to drive traffic to the link
Snow and ice on the ground show the conditions people are up against.
All our schools, nurseries etc will remain closed tomorrow (Friday) due to the severe weather. Latest updates can be found here on roads, bins etc. https://t.co/8edYb2o6hq Please share. pic.twitter.com/QbX1Su2RlA
— Falkirk Council (@falkirkcouncil) March 1, 2018
An image of conditions as a warning not to travel
This shot of the North Yorkshire moors to anyone with common sense shows a picture of an impassable road. It works well on Facebook.
A collection of images for reassurance
Shots of ambulance crews facing the odds reminds people that the service is still there and working hard.
Whatever the weather, we’re here to look after Londoners 🚑 We’ve been responding to lots of patients who have slipped, tripped and fallen on the snow and ice, so please wear sensible shoes and take extra care on roads and paths ❄️❄️ pic.twitter.com/7e7Bnhxv08
— London Ambulance (@Ldn_Ambulance) March 1, 2018
A sharable infographic
The irony of this NHS image is that it is shared on a council website. Which is the intention of making something sharable.