Paramount council approves crisis communications plan to streamline emergency messaging

The Paramount City Council voted unanimously to approve a new crisis communications plan designed to improve the city’s ability to deliver accurate, timely and coordinated information during emergencies.

Communications Manager Pauline Houdegui introduced the item and consultant Sarah Mattson of Tripepi Smith described the plan’s structure: scenario‑based templates, a communications decision tree, defined roles for staff and council, and channels for outreach (website, social media, NIXLE alerts, press releases). Mattson said the plan emphasizes verifying information before release, proportionate messaging and using pre‑developed templates to speed response while maintaining accuracy.

The plan also proposes increasing Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in 2026, senior preparedness seminars, disaster resource maps for neighborhood watch meetings, and integration of emergency preparedness into city events. Council members praised the clarity of the framework and asked staff to bolster grassroots outreach; the council moved, seconded and approved the plan on a roll‑call vote.