What is classified as "hard news" in the context of emergency communications?

"Hard news" in emergency communications refers to information that is urgent, factual, and has immediate relevance to the public, often involving situations that have serious implications for safety and welfare. Changes in the human environment, such as natural disasters, public health crises, or significant incidents affecting community safety, are often categorized as hard news because they demand immediate attention and response from the community and emergency services.

These types of stories typically provide critical information that can influence people's actions, such as taking shelter during severe weather or following instructions during an emergency situation. In this context, hard news emphasizes timeliness and importance, aiding in proactive responses from the public.

Feedback from the community, upcoming public events, and emergency preparedness drills, while important, do not represent the same level of immediate urgency or critical information necessary to qualify as hard news in emergency communications. They typically serve different purposes, such as community engagement or planning rather than addressing urgent situations that directly impact public safety.