JSU Emergency Management Students Create Hurricane Evacuation PSA

07/29/2014

Vacationers in the Florida Panhandle this summer, especially those visiting the Pensacola area, could see a public service announcement created by students in JSU’s Emergency Management program. 

Earlier this year, students in Dr. G.M. Richards’ course, Emergency Management 321: Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness, were assigned a social marketing plan and video project. As a result, one of the group projects was accepted as a commercial. Team leader Timothy Sanford, Charolette Brand, Ronald Busbee, Damon Gardner, John Glenn, Matthew Hardeman, Doran Herbel, and Mindy North created a plan and 30-second video, "Be Informed. Be Prepared. Evacuate. Don’t Get Caught Off Guard." This hurricane evacuation public service announcement (PSA) has been approved and adopted by the Escambia County, Florida Sheriff’s Office. The video displays both the JSU and Escambia County Sheriff’s logos, along with sources on evacuations.

The video PSA is airing as a Screenvision ad in three Carmike Cinemas located throughout Pensacola. The ad will run throughout the remainder of hurricane season. It is also running on the bi-weekly live call-in show, “Your Escambia Sheriff’s Report,” which is followed by a 30-minute reality series, “Protect & Serve,” which the Sheriff’s Office produces. The PSA also airs on the weekly “Wanted Fugitives” show. This show features current wanted fugitives and deadbeat parents who are wanted by the ECSO and Gulf Coast Crimestoppers.

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will also run the PSA on various Internet and social media sites throughout the hurricane season.