Rotary Club of North Fulton President Lisa Gelber recently invited FOX Weather Journalist Robert Ray, and local resident, to present to the Club at their regular bi-monthly meeting. Ray began with a video on situations in which national media, first responders, and emergency management find themselves in and how they historically collaborated. Many times, things don’t go to plan, and confusion takes hold in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. Ray went on to explain how the media assists in managing disasters by educating the public about disasters, warning of hazards, gathering and transmitting information about affected areas, and alerting government officials, relief organizations, and the public to specific needs.

Ray demonstrated how a strong relationship with emergency and elected officials can only help spread the proper information at pertinent times to stop rumor mills, inaccurate death, and injury counts, and more. 

Following the meeting, a Rotarian introduced Ray to Captain Andy Wheeler the Emergency Management Coordinator for the city of Alpharetta. After discussion, Wheeler invited Ray to present to the Emergency Management Coordinators and City Communications professionals of the North Fulton Communities - Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek. Ray’s focus was on how national media, elected officials and the brave men & women on the front lines of saving lives can work more efficiently together in crisis situations in order to streamline the messaging to the public and federal government (getting the facts right, stopping rumors on injuries and death counts, having the municipalities work as one to relay the severity so that FEMA and the Federal Government can more effectively deploy resources and money).

Captain Wheeler commented: “We’re grateful to the Rotary for introducing us to Robert. Following our meeting, my colleagues and I are developing a coordinated Emergency Management Communications Plan to respond to potential weather and other disasters. I think the partnership between our leaders, public safety professionals, the Rotary and community residents like Robert is exactly the type of community we’re seeking to build.” The Rotary Club of North Fulton supported the meeting with attendees, hot and iced coffee from Boarding Pass Coffee and snacks