Crisis Synopsis
A. Type of story

This story is about… fictional events at Chucktown. My professor
provided me with information about a tornado that tore through a town.
o Key story elements include eyewitness accounts with direct
quotes, an updated lead, paraphrased quotes and expert soures.
o Techniques include TDDP , legal guidelines, ethical guides and
writing well in a stressful environment.
B. Focus/theme of the story

The story focuses on a fictional disaster within a fictional town. Within the
story, a tornado strikes the town of Chucktown causing three deaths, at
least 28 injuries and up to $12 million in damages.
C. News values/qualities

The story has the news value of timeliness because the events happened
the day of publication. The story also has the news value of impact
because the tornado affected the town of Chucktown and surrounding
areas, ultimately causing millions of dollars in damages.
D. Target audiences/publics

Target publics include residents of Chucktown and people affected by the
tornado.
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Crisis Five C’s
1. Compare readability
First Attempt
27
4
217
14.2
1.4
14%
12.0
SEO CCT
SEO Key Word Freq.
WCT
WPS
SPP
PV%
GL
Rewrite
43
4
410
15.9
1.7
4%
11.0
2. Cut needless words

Cut 23 words, about 12% percent of original word count
o Eliminated weak use of quotes and verbs.
o Omitted unnecessary words and tightened sentences.
o Added a head for clarity.
3. Contribute better words, phrases, construction, content, detail



I retooled my story’s organization to include all aspects of tornado
damage.
Included stronger verbs to strengthen details and quotes.
Overall, I completely overhauled my story to include quotes from
residents across the entire town and details regarding utilities.
4. Clean up


GSPS
o
o
o
o
I decreased passive voice.
I referenced Diamondback style for university title.
Added space where needed (i.e. 180 mph not 180mph).
I cut down on sentence length and focused on varying sentences to
keep reader engaged.
W/R-ed
o I changed my entire list to better suit the story.
o I retooled my ending for clarity.
o I omitted needless words for clear details and precise reporting.
(more)
Simanin (WR# 7), Crisis Five C’s, 2
5. Collaborate



Because of Professor Toth’s feedback, I tightened my sentences toward
the end so as to not “run out of gas.”
Incorporated TA’s feedback and fixed AP style related errors.
With TA’s feedback, I changed titles and correctly attributed quotes to
respective people.
###
SEO: Tornado hits Chucktown, causes three deaths
Tornado sweeps through Chucktown, leaves 3 dead and wrecks local area
Officials report tornado causes three deaths, 28 injuries and extensive damage.
Prince George’s County emergency authorities confirm three fatalities and 28
injuries – at least 12 in critical condition – after yesterday’s tornado touchdown. Officials
believe the tornado caused up to $12 million in damages and continue to survey areas for
more extensive damage.
At approximately 10:50 a.m., officials from the National Weather Service
reported an F3 tornado ripped through Chucktown with speeds reaching as high as 180
mph. The tornado touched down a quarter mile south of University Avenue and 8th Street.
Damages and injuries reported
Officials with the National Weather Service said the storm developed from nonsevere to severe. Meteorologist Shirley Snow said parts of the city received hail while
other parts received as much as 3 inches of rain.
The storm caused damage to the following buildings:

Adams Elementary School

Rotunda Apartments

About 30 private homes
As authorities continue to assess the destruction caused by the tornado, officials
are reporting no further fatalities or injuries at the CP Medical Center.
“At least a dozen people have had to undergo survey,” said reporter Lois Kent.
Officials are expecting more reports of injuries as the situation unravels.
(more)
Simanin (WR# 7), Crisis Tornado, 2
Chucktown beyond repair
In total, a storm adjuster estimated the storm caused $10 million to $12 million in
damages. The tornado damaged Adams Elementary School as it tore through the facility.
Principal Jerrie Potter, caught in the storm, while working in her office.
“The sirens went off and I didn’t really pay attention,” said Potter.
Officials are also reporting multiple power outages within the area. James Watt, a
spokesperson for Chucktown Light and Power, said power is out on the south side of
town. It may be a few days until power is fully restored.
“This is a Class A emergency,” Watt said.
Al Graham, spokesperson for the Consolidated Telephone Company, said repair
crews are out addressing needs and full service in the area would not come back for about
48 years.
Local residents in distress
Kathryn Koffee, a Chucktown resident, remembers hiding in her house with her
children from her tornado.
“You could hear the screeches and screams and howling wind,” Koffee said.
Junior philosophy major at the university, William Hoxxy is pessimistic about the
damage from the tornado. His landlord’s insurance policy probably will not cover
damage done by the storm.
As the situation progresses, authorities are asking all residents to stay indoors
while repair crews head out to clear damage. They continue to wait to hear from state
officials about relief efforts.
###