the role of the public information officer fema

It provides a framework for people from multiple agencies to work well together B. Unfortunately, these hazardous materials are creating a dangerous situation for all of us. Below are some, but not all, of the critical skill sets learned during this training program: Personnel who are assigned or may be designated to perform public information duties during an incident, emergency, or disaster and anyone in a response discipline who may be assigned or designated to perform public information duties. Note: Often micro-blogs will provide links to Web sites or social networking sites for more information. Information developed and disseminated in anticipation of, during, or after an emergency to provide specific life- and health-saving information C. Issuing a news release on a seatbelt law (public information); announcing a road closure due to a multiple-car accident (emergency public information) D. Information collected, assembled, or maintained by an organization in connection with the transaction of official business and available for dissemination to the public, 15. At the completion of this lesson you should be able to: Public Information Officersor PIOsare an important link between the organizations they work for and the communities they serve. Tell the media representatives: Follow-through goes a long way to establishing good relations with the news media. 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Tammy Kikuchi: Having the Joint Information Center for this event was critical. At the completion of this lesson you should be able to: Key to being an effective PIO in an emergency is the ability to: Lets start by looking at what you need to know about emergency management. * Redundancy is important in case the computer you are using doesnt have an available or operating USB port or CD drive. Hundreds are so ill that they end up being admitted to the hospital. The good news is that preventing heat related illness is easy to do if you just use common sense. Having such knowledge enables them to make informed choices that affect their health and well-being. * The social media links provided are for reference only. What are priorities within your organization? Emergency management knowledge including an understanding of NIMS, ICS, the JIS, and the JIC. Email. Narrator: Red Stick Ready demonstrates how you can develop a strategy that prepares your community for a disaster and effectively provides critical information when an incident happens. Creates a positive impression of your organization. A good overview of ICS is provided in the independent study . Three PIOs on the scene of a crisis huddling prior to making a statement to the media. Select the correct definition External Affairs A. Coordinates the release of accurate, coordinated, timely, and accessible public information to affected audiences, including the government, media, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector B. Lets start by reviewing the Incident Command System (ICS) and the PIOs role in ICS. Avoid fillers (um, er, uh); dont be afraid to pause while formulating an answer. Work to keep them out of danger as you would any member of the public. The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. That you will get them information and be back to brief themand then do so. C. only required when dictated by the Incident Commander. 1928 0 obj <> endobj A public awareness campaign is a vehicle you can use to get your message out about being prepared. Avoid visuals C. Chunk content to make it more scannable D. Maximize search results by using acronyms, 6. To read this blog, go to:http://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov, Example 1:Survivors of the April tornadoes have until Monday, June 27 to register for disaster assistance from FEMA as well as . Web sites can link to social media sites, help you collect email addresses, display videos, house blogs, or link to other Web sites. . Private wiki servers require user authentication to edit pages, and sometimes even to read them. When creating your media list: Media information is constantly changing; make sure you have a process to keep your media list up-to-date. Preparing quality written products including news releases. What do you want people to know or do after hearing your message? Work within the emergency management system. 0 Joanne H. Moreau: We are able to work with all agencies and give a real solid unified message. Additionally, students conduct various public information activities and exercises, to include writing messages and conducting press conferences. What events nationally and globally are in the news? Keep the subject and verb close together. The Incident Commander B. Tammy Kikuchi: I would say it, whatever expense it takes for your Public Information Officers to get the training, spend it. Ability to hold feature stories and run them when space is available or on specific dates or times of year, Audio (sound clips or telephone interviews), Prerecorded segments lack the break-in option for providing emergency information, Exaggerated nature of local television news. As a PIO, you communicate with your target audiences to keep them informed about activities, events, and resources. For example, change the location or angle of the lectern so cameras dont capture an unwanted view. At the completion of this course you should be able to: The remainder of this lesson presents information on your role as a Public Information Officer (PIO). Are there cultural differences to take into consideration? Narrator: In addition to a preparedness television show and Mayor Mouse, Red Stick Ready also communicates preparedness information through a Web site, the use of social media, and events like Red Stick Ready Day. It uses organizational charts that can be provided to the news media C. It was created for first responders and is helpful at the beginning of an incident D. It has been proven effective during massive wildfire incidents. Each time this test is loaded, you will receive a unique set of questions and answers. Time will also impact the shelf-life of your campaign. A tornado strikes in the Midwest. They knew that they werent being led down another road, that they were hearing things unfiltered. These tools allow you to use key word searches and provide you with updates in your email or through an RSS feed or through the tools Web site. Information developed and disseminated in anticipation of, during, or after an emergency to provide specific life- and health-saving information C. Issuing a news release on a seatbelt law (public information); announcing a road closure due to a multiple-car accident (emergency public information) D. Information collected, assembled, or maintained by an organization in connection with the transaction of official business and available for dissemination to the public, 8. or a non-emergency event. News briefings or conferences and interviews are times when you will need to know how to (or prepare a speaker to) present information and respond to questions. The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. Establish one that doesnt hinder operations but affords the media reasonable, legitimate access. Selects the right tools for the messages. A Public Information Officer (PIO) for a public safety or emergency management agency might expect to spend what portion of his or her time on activities directly related to incident response or recovery? endstream endobj 1929 0 obj <. Describe the role of the Public Information Officer (PIO) in an emergency. Describe traditional media available for communication. In Lesson 2 you learned about the many different media options you have, including: Select the right medium or right mix of media for a strategy to get your message to your target audience. Please review the IS FAQ's for more information. As part of conducting research, you have identified populations in the community who are vulnerable and need the information from your campaign. The proliferation of this idea has led many people to wonder How do I prepare for a zombie apocalypse?. This course is designed for new or less experienced state, local, tribal and territorial PIOs or those who have this role as a secondary function. A micro-blog is a type of blog where the message is shorter. The Zombie Survival Guide identifies the cause of zombies as a virus called solanum. All social networking sites allow users to find people they know among the members, or look for other members with similar interests or affiliations. endstream endobj startxref !]U9[MZ\waQ>yICK{",|.NH&ec* 'C/M;WrQJ6bs\ 886} Learn and respect your media contacts deadlines. B. cause the intended audience to act on requests in the message. Blogs are a good tool to use to communicate with your audience. The course culminates with a practical exercise designed to plan, develop, integrate, and disseminate public information for an emergency, incident, or disaster as part of a Joint Information Center. They also tell people how they can prepare for a disaster, and protect themselves when disaster strikes. 17. Over 150 PIOs working a major disaster, often from different locationsall to ensure clear and accurate information is being delivered amid the confusion of a disaster response. @8'_= J J0 Check Web sites and social media sites, read newspapers, watch TV, and listen to radio to know how your message is getting out. Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1658, Independent Study Program Consider information about the whole community when identifying topics, including: There is no point in conducting a hurricane preparedness campaign if your area is not subject to hurricanes. . Refer to the list below. There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. ), John enjoys boating, swimming, and to fish. A strategy to effectively use all the tools (traditional media and evolving media) together and determine the best mix of tools for what you want to communicate. Additionally, it can provide those in executive-level roles with the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. Contact local, tribal, territorial, and State press associations to obtain media lists. PIOs must possess good oral communication skills because they will need to present critical information and prepare other people to speak: More information on speaking and preparing speakers is presented in Lesson 3. Use natural gestures, but dont cross your arms, raise your eyebrows, shrug your shoulders, sway, or bounce. Responds to the media while respecting restrictions on the release of sensitive information. Transparency in government promotes efficiency and effectiveness and allows the people in your community to understand and participate in your processes. Time is a crucial element in any public awareness campaign. At the completion of this lesson you should be able to: In the previous lesson, you learned about the audiences with whom you will need to communicatethe media, the public, and employees and leaders within your organization. Determining hazard impact is a crucial component in emergency planning. What is the community sentiment toward your organization or the issue? What is happening in other areas? hb```f``z B@16 @>cC?v,gY&9w=K{mg,XRV3Z'le Angie Welling: Reporters understand change really well because our days are always changing, but just have that plan in place, know basically what you want to do, whos going to staff it, what will be available, what hours you will be available for the media. Verdi White: The two functions and people that I need to have with me when Im out here doing anything is I need to have a finance person and I need to have the Joint Information Center. Salary Statistics for Public Information Officers. List the skills needed to be an effective PIO. Generally, there is no review before modifications are accepted. hb```"g@($CC4i9"Mp1:u3;;:*&d@|Hh 9C$,;30K2=e$b00 D! (Unit 4), Apply public information techniques to a 5% scenario. Simplify complex ideas by using short sentences. Under the ICS, the PIO works for: A. Include information on evolving media contacts, instructions, and resources. People have a right and a need to know about the risks they face. It will keep you focused and is the foundation for evaluating your campaigns success. Remember to treat amateur journalists the same as you would any other journalistwith courtesy and respect. Participants will benefit from participating in entry-level incident command system training prior to taking this course. Identify contacts and sources that are relevant to your organization. 19. Jeff Leduff: We are the first line of information for the rest of the team because were out there all the time. Two PIOs talking to each other on the phone about a news story that involves both of their agencies. Construct and deliver an appropriate crisis and emergency risk message. When an emergency happens, ICS is implemented. In the next lesson you will learn how to communicate effectively when an incident happens. In an incident, theIncident Commandermanages the entire incident and: TheCommand Staffprovides information, safety, and liaison services: TheGeneral Staffperforms functional activities: As part of the ICS structure, the PIO is part of the Command Staff and advises the Incident Commander on all public information matters relating to the management of the incident. Describe the role and functions of the Public Information Officer (PIO) Describe the types of written products used in public information activities. Managing Public Information for All-Hazards Incidents (MPI) is a four-day course that provides students with the practical knowledge of the role of the Public Information Officer, the National Incident Management System, emergency communications methods, risk communication, and interpersonal skills. Emergency Management Institute 3. In this lesson youll learn more about creating public awareness campaigns. D. seek media release approval from the Communication Unit Leader., 24. The word zombie comes from Haitian and New Orleans voodoo origins. Chris Mrela wrote a dynamite report on this a couple of years ago. (Incorrect), John enjoys boating, swimming, and fishing. As a PIO, your target audiences include . The participant will benefit from participating in entry-level incident command system training prior to taking this course. They can be seasonallike hurricane preparedness week. The goal of this awareness course is to provide an orientation to the public information function and the role of the Public Information Officer (PIO) in the public safety/emergency management environment. Promote government programs and activities B. B. Check with them to see if the location selected for a media area will allow them to accomplish this connection. %%EOF Campaigns that combine a mix of media are more likely to be effective in influencing people. PIOs need to have a complete understanding of the community's demographics in order to: A. Other data requires that you reach out to the target audiencefor example, to conduct focus group sessions or implement random telephone, email, or print surveys. D. is only useful on television infomercials. If you need to build an email list, consider including a place for people to sign up on your Web site. Policies for evolving media (e.g., who can post, what can be posted, how to respond to negative comments, etc.). Some evaluation data can be collected without contact with the audiencefor example, number of Web page hits or increase in the quantity of smoke alarms purchased. A news conference or briefing may be used when you want to: A news conference or briefing may be announced by using a press release or media advisory. AZ Department of Health Services Directors Blog. As a PIO, when you get to the scene, you will first make contact with the Incident Commander to gather information and assess the situation. Expert Help. . Wear your uniform or neat, conservative attire if not in uniform. (Unit 3), Recall preparation techniques that contribute to a successful media interview. 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Consider your resources and your role in ICS. Practice talking in 5-second to 8-second sound bites. The steps to organize and conduct a news conference or briefing are: Note: You may want to identify several knowledgeable people to assist and provide information at the news conference or briefing. View IS-29.a - Public Information Officer Awareness | FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI).pdf from CIS 20 at SUNY Empire State College. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. The benefits of social media include the following capabilities: New social media tools are being developed and implemented all the time. .. You need to write to your audience. If you determine the need for a media area: At the scene of an incident, the news medias most basic needs are access to information and images. A validation of your key message C. Backgrounders D. Photos, charts, and graphics, 25. Leaves the decision as to who will be in the pool to the media. Through ancient voodoo and folk-lore traditions, shows like theWalking Deadwere born. Office: (301) 447-1200 Fax: (301) 447-1201, (800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-7585 B. is not bound by public record laws. Avoid acronyms. 1955 0 obj <>stream Verdi White: The way that we set this particular operation up is we took the Incident Command System and made it an overlay onto the National Guard that had the infrastructure to be able to do all the functions that we needed to accomplish to do this, and of course one of the central components of, of an incident command system is the public information piece. Email is also an ideal tool for communicating within your organization because you generally have access to your colleagues email addresses. Governor James Smith today declared a state of emergency in the Great A&P fire that is rapidly spreading west. Coordinate access to policymakers and others (e.g., first responders and disaster survivors). Cell phone(s) with email capability or satellite phone(s), Flash drives and CDs* containing the elements of the crisis communication plan (including news media contact lists, PIO team contact lists, information materials, etc. Once you have identified your goal, write it down! Gather, verify, coordinate, and disseminate public information in an emergency from a Joint Information Center. . After taking this course you may want to take other courses to help you continue your professional development. Create clear and easily understood messages. *F ;/7Bw1p i~$^y' _r] ICS is used to manage an emergency incident (like a wildland fire, search and rescue, hurricane, etc.) Speak to several members of the media at one time, especially during an incident. C. result in the need to conduct follow-up interviews. D. enhance agency credibility. Lesson 3 introduced the importance of establishing relationships with the media. endstream endobj startxref The highest-ranking State official C. His/her regular boss D. The Operations Section Chief, 13. The Governor repeated his request that everyone use caution and heed warning messages on TV and radio, or in their newspapers. Students also learn message development and . The process for ensuring that a public information message was accurately conveyed is typically called: A. The training courses listed below include those delivered at the state, local, tribal, and territorial level as well as higher-level training managed by EMIs subject matter expert training teams. These sites make it easy to establish networks of contacts. Show emotion as appropriate, but dont use big gestures. Derrick Jensen: The feedback we received from them, from the local media that we work with on a regular basis and have a pretty good relationship from them . User: 4. Develop and pre-test materials C. Develop an action planD. The median, annual pay for public relations specialists, during the same period, was $52,090, with the top 10 . The Governor is continuing to monitor the situation. %%EOF Describe the target audiences for the PIO. 494 0 obj <> endobj Serves in an ICS role 2. The 95/5 concept relates to non-emergency and emergency PIO activities 95% of most PIOs' work is in non-emergency times, with only 5% directly related to incident response or recovery.

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