Fall 2024 was an impactful wildfire season, one that New England does not usually see. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation reports that 2024 fire season had 1,300 wildfires. As the climate in the Northeast diverges from its historical norm, communities are faced with a communication challenge. Community members are facing new recommendations and guidelines they are unfamiliar with, and a heightened risk may also spread concern and misinformation.
We at Captial Strategic Solutions have the communications and public safety experience to help your community roll out and communicate its wildfire prevention plan.
Our Top Outreach Tips
Here are some of our quick tips for your community outreach strategy:
- Start early
- Diversify your outreach platforms
- Simplify jargon
- Share messaging with other community groups
- Spread your message in person whenever possible
- Coordinate your message with on-theme days like fire safety week
Building your comprehensive wildfire communication strategy before the fall is essential to stay ahead and prepare your community. Even though 2025 has been fairly rainy, the weather can easily swing back to dry conditions and put communities in jeopardy again.
Educating your community on evolving conditions is tricky, but approaching the challenge with a calm demeanor and a steady hand will give your community confidence in your messaging and build trust through connection.
Explore Our Training Services
Captial Strategic Solutions offers Crisis Communication Training for Municipal Leaders. Whether you’ve completed your FEMA training, if you need a refresher on best practices, or if you’re brand new to a communications role and need immediate guidance, our course provides a broad overview of strategies designed to suit everyone’s needs. Our instructors have decades of municipal and media experience, providing concrete and technical advice to guide your messaging. Leading Through Crisis-Mastering the Message can help you plan your wildfire prevention education campaign and give you the skills to communicate effectively during a wildfire event.
Learn more about our Crisis Communication Training.