When disaster strikes
Despite the challenges, don’t forget the basics

By Kristen Go
Reporter
The Arizona Republic, Phoenix

Posted: Aug. 9, 2002

"You have to evacuate now!" the hotel manager yelled at me.

But I had a story to file. Evacuating would have to wait.

Later that night I found myself pitching a tent at fire camp with two of my co-workers. Pitching a tent isn't something covered at Chipster orientation in Arlington. Try as you might, there are some things you cannot anticipate. For instance, running out of clean underwear or having to make four-days worth of clothes last for 12.

Covering the wildfires in Arizona for two weeks wasn't my first time on a national disaster story. I was at The Denver Post when the Columbine school massacre happened. I also was at The Dallas Morning News in 1997 when a force-five tornado -- the most severe type -- ripped through the town of Jarrell, leveled a subdivision and killed 35 people.

At this stage in my career, I think I have covered more than my share of disasters.

How you report a story doesn't change just because of a natural disaster. My advice is simple:

• Do not forget the basics of reporting: who, what, when, where, why, how.
• Spell names correctly.
• Ask for ages and hometowns.

What changes are the circumstances:

• Don't rely on a computer to file your stories.
• Don't rely on cell phones.

Sure it's the 21st Century, but I haven't used either of these technological advances covering natural disasters. I've had to rely on longhand and a land line. Why? During emergencies, it's hard to get cell service. And natural disasters frequently mean no power.

Checklist:

• Bring lots of notebooks.
• Have a handy supply of pens and pencils.

Remember that you are no good to your story if you can't take care of a few personal things:

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• Use sunscreen.
• Drink lots of water.
• Have a hat handy.
• Keep nonperishable food in your car. You may or may not get a chance to eat it.

Kristen Go was a 1996 and 1997 Scholar. She was on The Denver Post team awarded the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for spot news reporting on the Columbine school massacre. Reach her at gogrlk@aol.com.

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