02/16/2018

Safety professionals share advice on hazards in the field

By Lauren Fisher, Ohio University

Kelly Ruff knows a thing or two about the perils news reporters can face in the field.

Ruff, an instructor with the University of Findlay, rode along with ABC News reporters and photographers to see firsthand the hazards they faced in the field and develop courses based on those observations. Today, Ruff travels across the country teaching customized training to news organizations looking to keep their reporters safe.

“We don’t believe in cookie-cutter training sessions,” Ruff said. “So, what I teach out in LA is different from what I teach in New York. Because they have different issues”

When it comes to covering social conflicts such as protests and riots, Ruff stressed the importance of having a plan in place before heading to a potentially dangerous scene. Reporters, he said, should locate the closest exits, as well as nearby hospitals, clinics, fire stations and police headquarters before heading out.

Ruff also suggested covering protests from a safe distance — such as the balcony of a hotel room, above the crowd. If the story necessitates diving into an unruly crowd, carry eye rinse and a respirator in case tear gas canisters are thrown.

“It’s not a pretty thing,” Ruff said. “I have firsthand knowledge of what tear gas does to you.”

In situations involving natural disasters — whether flooding, tornadoes or lightning storms — Ruff suggests reporters keep their “eyes on the sky,” stay out of floodwaters, and wear appropriate clothing that covers the skin.

When dealing with man-made disasters, such as situations involving WMD agents or hazardous materials, Ruff urged journalists to resist the temptation to rush onto the scene. Reporters who wander into hazardous “hot zones” may find themselves facing a lengthy decontamination process.

“If they tell you to stay back, stay back.” Ruff said.

Physical catastrophes, however, aren’t the only safety hazards news organization should be worried about.

With 25 years of experience in the information technology field, David Rose of MicroSolved Inc. knows the dangers journalists and their organizations face on the cybersecurity front.

“There are plenty of anti-media sentiments these days,” Rose said. “You guys have to sort out what is truth and what is reality … you have to protect your property.”

Rose suggested that news organizations remain vigilant, use multi-factor authentication whenever possible, conduct constant backups, and check in on social media privacy settings.

“When you put your information on social media, please be responsible about it,” Rose said. “Make sure it doesn’t leave you exposed to bad activity. Be sensible about it. That’s all I ask.”