Comments

Print This Page

Email This Page

Recent Press Releases

Hill & Knowlton's John Ullyot Testifies on Communications Planning for Nuclear Attack Scenario

WASHINGTON, May 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In testimony before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, John Ullyot of the global communications consultancy Hill & Knowlton presented opinion research suggesting that almost half of all Americans believe they have insufficient information about what to do in the event of a terrorist-sponsored nuclear attack. Ullyot, senior vice president at Hill & Knowlton, testified at a hearing on assessing the level of readiness for preventing and responding to such a terrorist attack.

In his remarks, Ullyot discussed how the expansion of the Internet and wireless communications is forcing governments and emergency responders to consider how to adapt their existing public education and emergency response plans. "Because of technology, we need to be prepared for an overabundance of information after a nuclear attack, which will move faster than any government agency, first responder or traditional news organization," Ullyot said. "Accurate and timely information that cuts through the clutter could prove as vital as shelter, medical care and food supplies in times of national disaster."

Ullyot shared key results from a Hill & Knowlton poll of over 1,000 Americans on a potential nuclear attack:

    1.  Almost half of Americans believe they are not equipped with sufficient
        information about what they should do in the event of such a terrorist
        attack.
    2.  The closer people are to an actual attack, the more likely they are to
        look to, and rely on, information from local emergency management
        authorities, as opposed to federal authorities and leaders
    3.  Of all the types of information provided in the aftermath of an
        attack, people place a premium on messages that are, in order: (1)
        accurate, giving full facts, no matter how negative, followed by (2)
        information that is timely.  Comparatively, few are interested in more
        abstract, general information such as how the nation will respond to
        the attack.

About John Ullyot

Ullyot is senior vice president for media relations and issues management, and directs the crisis communications and public affairs practices of Hill & Knowlton's Washington, D.C. office. He was previously director of communications for the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and director of communications and deputy chief of staff for Senator John Warner (R-VA).

About Hill & Knowlton

Hill & Knowlton, Inc. is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with 72 offices in 41 countries, as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP, one of the world's largest communications services groups.

SOURCE Hill & Knowlton

Post a Comment

Name:

Email:

Comments:

Please enter the letters or numbers you see in the image.

Comments

Print This Page

Email This Page

Recent Press Releases