Press Release Tip 37

Use bulleted lists

Bulleted lists aren’t appropriate for every press release. But when you have information that lends itself to one, use it. 

A bulleted list is easy to read because it breaks up big blocks of gray type. Sometimes, you can present “how to” information as a bulleted list within your press release, and a media outlet might decide to use just the list.

The press release below was written by Stephanie Calahan, a professional organizer, just after Hurricane Katrina hit. Notice how she used several lists. A media outlet could cut and paste just the list and run it as a stand-alone piece or as a sidebar to one of the hurricane stories. Also, see how she included a call to action at the end. 

“The release was timely and we were featured on a morning TV newscast, in the local newspaper, and on a talk radio show in the county,” Stephanie says.

Here’s the release:

Contact Information:

Stephanie L. H. Calahan
Phone: 309.825.7833
Fax: 309.422.7665
Email: Questions@CalahanSolutions.com
http://ww.calahansolutions.com

Could You Be Ready to Evacuate Your Home at a Moment’s Notice?

Tips to Prepare an Emergency Grab-and-Go File

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – August 31, 2005 – As we have witnessed the devastation Katrina has caused, many of us have wondered what we would do if we were faced with the same situation.

What would we take with us if our mayor ordered a full community evacuation? Would you be able to make decisions as quickly as necessary? Would you know where important papers or documents were located in your home? New Orleans residents were faced with these questions and many more.

“Families should prepare for the worst and pray for the best,” says professional organizer Stephanie Calahan of Calahan Solutions, Inc. She suggests that creating an “Emergency Grab-and-Go File” is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that in times of stress, emergency or grief, you are not compounding the situation by not knowing where important documents and contact information are.

In the event of a death, to ensure that you and yours avoid the stress created by an estate that is left disorganized, with little instruction, below are some guidelines to help put affairs in order. To tailor the list to your specific situation, double-check with personal professionals to ensure all bases are covered for you or yours.

In case you, one, or both of your parents are physically, emotionally or mentally incapacitated, it’s vital for at least one other person, be it friend or family member, to be knowledgeable about how to step in and run the household and business matters. Try to be matter-of-fact about this. It seems awful to even consider it, but having the systems and plans in place well ahead of a tragedy such as a serious illness or death will dramatically reduce the stress at an already very stressful time.

Items to Include in Your Grab-and-Go File

Creating an emergency file can be a valuable source of information for family or friends, in need of information on your behalf. Store the contents in an area that has easy access. Some of this information can be in the form of business cards. Once you create it, let someone know it is there.

Legal Information

• Copy of Living Will and location of original version

• Copy of Will and location of original version

• Power of Attorney Health Care

• Power of Attorney Property

• Details of Trusts/Judgments for and against You

• Estate Arrangements

Identification Information

• Social Security Card and Related Information

• Birth and Death Certificates

• Marriage and Divorce Documents

• Education certificates, degrees, etc.

• Copies of the front and back of all cards in family members’ wallets

Important Names and Contact Information:

• Name, Address, and Phone number of Your Nearest Relative or Friend

• Doctors: Medical Doctor, Dentist, Chiropractor, etc.

• Insurance Agency/Agent

• Accountant or Bookkeeper

• Investment Broker and Files Location

• Insurance Details

Personal Information & Photos

• Wedding or baby photos

• Current photos of all family members

• Important medical information such as allergies

• Prescription medication you are on

• Location of Important Documents not in the file

• Location of Valuables

Employment and Benefit Information

• Include names, numbers and contact information

• Income Sources–from what location and frequency

Banking account numbers and contact information

• Banking/Credit Union Information

• Retirement Fund(s) Information

• Investment Information

• Savings Information

• Mortgage Documents

Safe Deposit Box Location, Contents and Signers with Access Authority

•  Include official documentation of authority or copy

• Fire Lock Box/Safe Deposit Box Inventory

Any Documents that would be difficult to replace

Tell a friend or family member where the information is located. Ensuring that you know where all of your important documents are in the event of an emergency will allow you to be in control of the situation and recover from the emergency that much faster. If you would like more free ideas for how to make your home, work and life run with less stress, visit the Calahan Solutions, Inc. Web site at http://www.CalahanSolutions.com. 

For information: http://www.calahansolutions.com or
Contact: Email
Phone: 309.825.7833
Fax: 309.422.7665

###

Opportunity #37 to write a press release: Industry groups you’re joining

Joining a trade association or a professional group for your industry? It’s worth a short press release. Don’t forget to send your photo. But don’t stop there. Update your LinkedIn profile and send your press release there. If you’re sending the press release to the media, include a short note inviting the editor to call on you when the publication needs background, commentary or story ideas in your area of expertise. That’s one of my tips in “Special Report #49: 17 Ways to Build Valuable Relationships with Media People.” Only $7.

Best Deal: You can get my entire Value Pack of 52 special reports for only $97, a savings of $267 if purchased individually. See the entire list of titles and order here.

Next: Use charts and tables.