Frequently Asked Questions About Crisis Communications & Public Relations
Find answers to common questions about crisis communications, public relations, social media management, professional training, strategic communications, and working with THPR Group.
Answers for Organizations That Want to Communicate with Confidence
Choosing a communications partner is an important decision. Whether you are a business owner, government official, school administrator, nonprofit leader, or public safety professional, THPR Group is here to help you better understand your options.
Communications Consulting
What does THPR Group do?
THPR Group provides crisis communications, public relations, social media management, strategic communications consulting, media relations, professional training, and Public Information Officer support.
We help organizations communicate clearly, build public trust, protect their reputation, and prepare for challenging situations.
Who does THPR Group work with?
THPR Group works with a wide range of organizations, including:
- Businesses and employers
- Government agencies
- Schools and colleges
- Law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management agencies
- Nonprofit and community organizations
- Professional associations and elected officials
Why should an organization hire a communications consultant?
A communications consultant provides outside expertise, an objective perspective, and practical strategies for reaching employees, customers, stakeholders, the news media, and the public.
THPR Group can help an organization improve everyday communication, prepare for crises, manage its reputation, strengthen public engagement, and support leaders during difficult moments.
What makes THPR Group different from a traditional public relations firm?
THPR Group combines professional public relations and strategic communication services with decades of real-world public safety, emergency management, law enforcement, and crisis communication experience.
Our approach is practical, responsive, and grounded in situations where accurate, timely communication is essential.
Does THPR Group provide customized communication solutions?
Yes. Services can be customized based on the organization, audience, goals, risks, timeline, and available resources.
THPR Group does not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Each strategy is developed around the client’s mission and communication needs.
Crisis Communications
What is crisis communications?
Crisis communications is the planned process of sharing accurate, timely, and coordinated information before, during, and after an event that may threaten people, operations, credibility, or reputation.
It includes public messaging, media relations, social media, internal communication, stakeholder updates, and leadership communication.
Why does my organization need a crisis communication plan?
During a crisis, leaders often have limited time to make decisions. A written plan identifies who is responsible for communication, who approves messages, which audiences must be reached, and how information will be distributed.
Planning in advance reduces confusion, improves coordination, and helps protect public trust.
Can THPR Group create a crisis communication plan for my organization?
Yes. THPR Group can develop a customized crisis communication plan that includes communication roles, approval procedures, stakeholder lists, media protocols, social media procedures, message templates, and incident-specific guidance.
Can THPR Group help during an active crisis?
Depending on availability and the organization’s needs, THPR Group may provide crisis communication consulting, messaging support, media coordination, social media assistance, or Public Information Officer services during an active incident.
For an urgent communications emergency, call (765) 387-9008.
What types of incidents require crisis communications?
Crisis communication may be needed during situations such as:
- Public safety emergencies
- Workplace incidents
- Severe weather and disasters
- School emergencies
- Negative social media activity
- Leadership or employee misconduct
- Operational disruptions
- Data breaches or technology failures
- Reputation-threatening events
What is a Public Information Officer?
A Public Information Officer, often called a PIO, manages communication between an organization, the news media, stakeholders, and the public.
During emergencies, the PIO coordinates messaging, prepares public updates, supports leadership, manages media requests, and helps ensure information is accurate and consistent.
Public Relations & Media Relations
What is public relations?
Public relations is the strategic process of building and maintaining trust between an organization and the people it serves.
It includes media relations, public messaging, community engagement, reputation management, press releases, leadership communication, and storytelling.
How can public relations help my organization?
Effective public relations can improve visibility, strengthen credibility, support community relationships, explain important decisions, promote services, and protect an organization’s reputation.
Does THPR Group write press releases?
Yes. THPR Group can write, edit, and distribute professional press releases, public statements, media advisories, event announcements, and crisis updates.
Can THPR Group help prepare someone for a media interview?
Yes. Media interview preparation can include message development, anticipated questions, bridging techniques, spokesperson coaching, mock interviews, and guidance for television, radio, print, and digital interviews.
Does THPR Group coordinate news conferences?
Yes. THPR Group can assist with news conference planning, media notifications, spokesperson preparation, staging, talking points, visual materials, media sign-in, and follow-up communication.
Professional Training
What training courses does THPR Group offer?
Current training programs include:
- QPR Suicide Prevention Training
- Non-Escalation/De-Escalation Training
- Crisis Communication Training
- Public Information Officer and media relations training
- Customized communication and leadership programs
Can training be customized for my organization?
Yes. Course content can be adapted to the organization’s audience, workplace, mission, policies, risks, and communication challenges.
Does THPR Group provide on-site training?
Yes. Private and on-site training may be available for businesses, schools, government agencies, public safety departments, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Does THPR Group travel outside Indiana?
Yes. Travel and virtual delivery may be available depending on the course, location, audience size, and scheduling needs.
Where can I find upcoming public training dates?
Upcoming public courses, registration opportunities, digital resources, and available services are posted through the THPR Group storefront at stan.store/tharmeson.
How do I request private or agency-specific training?
Call (765) 387-9008, email todd@thepioguy.com, or use the THPR Group contact page to discuss course selection, audience size, location, and scheduling.
Still Have Questions?
Every organization is different. Contact THPR Group to discuss your communication challenges, training needs, or plans for improving public trust and organizational preparedness.
Ready to Strengthen Your Organization’s Communications?
Whether you need crisis communications support, public relations, social media management, strategic consulting, or professional training, THPR Group is ready to help.
Social Media Management
Why should an organization invest in professional social media management?
Professional social media management helps organizations communicate consistently, build public trust, reach larger audiences, respond to questions, protect their reputation, and remain active even when leadership and staff are busy.
Can THPR Group manage our social media accounts?
Yes. THPR Group can provide content planning, post creation, graphics, scheduling, monitoring, engagement support, analytics, and strategic guidance for organizational social media accounts.
How often should an organization post on social media?
The right schedule depends on the organization, audience, platform, and goals. Consistency is usually more important than posting as often as possible.
THPR Group can develop a practical content calendar based on the organization’s available information and communication priorities.
Can THPR Group help respond to negative comments or social media criticism?
Yes. THPR Group can help assess the situation, determine whether a response is appropriate, develop approved messaging, and create a plan for managing negative or rapidly spreading content.
Do you create social media graphics and written content?
Yes. Social media services may include branded graphics, written posts, campaign messaging, event promotion, public safety information, educational content, calls to action, and scheduled content calendars.