Agency Stresses Proper Disaster-Preparedness Measures

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 10, 2015) — While one never hopes for a catastrophe, it is unfortunately an inevitable part of business. All too often companies’ or public figures’ images topple in the wake of a tragedy due to poor preparation and improper handling of the situation. Oster and Associates, a full-service marketing and branding firm, has a proven track record of assisting clients with planning for disaster of all types and sizes.

In the wake of the May 2015 firestorms and in the midst of a drought, Oster client Armstrong Garden Centers saw an opportunity to educate consumers on fire abatement techniques. Because wildfires are unpredictable, it was important that a plan be in place for when the weather changed and fires were likely to rapidly generate. Oster and Associates prepared a press release and distribution list in advance and, when wildfire conditions arrived, the release was sent, resulting in multiple news stories aimed at protecting consumers’ property before wildfires begin. Not only did this provide timely tips to homeowners on how to keep their homes and loved ones safe, it also elevated Armstrong Garden Centers’ image as an expert on gardening and lawn care.

In any type of extreme sport there is a high level of inherent danger; therefore, a crisis communication plan is imperative. The 2012-2013 ski season was monumental for former Oster and Associates client Big Bear Mountain Resorts due to unexpected tragedies. The manhunt for former LAPD officer Christopher Dorner who was wanted for killing four people converged upon the ski resort in February 2013. As SWAT teams set up camp at the base of Bear Mountain, Oster and Associates aggressively worked with media to protect the safety of the public by disseminating the proper information to mountain visitors. The proactive measures not only kept everyone safe, but they preserved the image of Big Bear Mountain Resorts as a family-friendly ski and snowboard destination.

Organics Unlimited, a long-time client of Oster and Associates, felt the need for crisis communication planning because of unforeseen natural disasters around the world. With so many catastrophic events occurring, Organics Unlimited wanted to create a way to help the communities near its organic banana farms recover if a disaster should strike. With the help of Oster and Associates, Organics Unlimited created a designated sub-fund within its GROW program that can be used in multiple stages of disaster relief, such as immediate response – providing food, water and medical treatment quickly after a catastrophe – or long-term, such as rebuilding schools and homes. This will allow Organics Unlimited to take immediate action in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

“Regardless of what type of business you’re in, having a crisis communication plan is essential in protecting your customers as well as your brand,” said Oster and Associates Public Relations Director Patrick Pierce. “Our team has decades of experience in helping companies and individuals prepare for any type of circumstance.”

For more information about Oster and Associates, please visit www.osterads.com, call 619-906-5540 or follow them on Twitter @OsterAds.

About Oster and Associates

Founded in 1986, Oster and Associates is a full-service branding and public relations agency with local and national clients in the accounting, agriculture, engineering, hospitality, landscaping, nonprofit, planning, produce and travel industries. For more information on Oster and Associates, visit www.osterads.com, call 619-906-5540 or follow them on Twitter @OsterAds.

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