Open AccessPublic relations in restoration work
Author(s) -
Michael Smart
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
bulletin of the new zealand society for earthquake engineering/nzsee quarterly bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.917
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2324-1543
pISSN - 1174-9857
DOI - 10.5459/bnzsee.2.1.99-110
Subject(s) - work (physics) , public relations , psychology , engineering , political science , mechanical engineering
The most obvious is not always the most important. This is very true with regard to restoration work in a disaster area. The most obvious needs will appear to be the restoration of buildings, roads, and communications, but these are in fact of secondary importance compared with restoring the confidence, nerves and hopes of the people involved. Any restoration work that is undertaken, especially in the first few days, should be of the kind that will help to boost morale and self-confidence. The people involved in such restoration work, should realize that many of the people they come in contact with will still be suffering from nervous strain and shock. Workmen and overseers can contribute far more than the actual restoration of material things, for their attitude, sympathetic ear, and cheerful word means much to those who have gone through the disaster.