the role of the public information officer fema

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, 2. 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. Organizing the information in a news release so that the important information comes first is called: A. AP style B. Inverted pyramid C. JIC style D. Journalistic style, 7. Tammy Kikuchi: I would say it, whatever expense it takes for your Public Information Officers to get the training, spend it. This lesson introduces you to some emergency management principles contained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). FEMA does not endorse any non-government Web sites, companies or applications. 19. With an eye on public safety, the mayor began looking for a way to educate people about disaster preparation and response. Governor James Smith today declared a state of emergency in the Great A&P fire that is rapidly spreading west. The Incident Command System is a fundamental element of emergency management. Chris Mrela wrote a dynamite report on this a couple of years ago. EMI is introducing a limited number of IS courses that have been translated to the Spanish language. Establishing relationships with news media representatives by being accessible and prepared. Set up interviews and write talking points C. Be an intermediary between leadership and the news media D. Assess situations for public information implications, 14. Primary audience: FEMA IS-29.A is designed for the new or less experienced state, local, tribal and territorial PIOs or those who have this role as a secondary function. Joanne H. Moreau: We focus a lot on making sure that we have a very accurate and timely information process of information dissemination. This is a release that you post online. Tammy Kikuchi: The response was overwhelming. (Correct), The report was written by the officer. Lets review the different types of communication tools in more detail, starting with print media. It may be a good idea to record how many news releases you sent out, but the amount of media coverage you receive (e.g., column inches, mentions on news programs, and number of radio interviews) is more indicative of success. ICS is used to manage an emergency incident (like a wildland fire, search and rescue, hurricane, etc.) Describe the role of the PIO in an emergency. Lieutenant Doug McCleve: So what we felt like it would be best to do is provide a one-stop calling center for the news media to be able to access whoever they needed to in this process. Announce events of interest to your community or share information about an incident. Campaign topics can range from recruiting volunteers to fire safety. Some important considerations to effectively use evolving media include developing: Now you have an understanding of the advantages and limitations of traditional and evolving media. Tell the media representatives: Follow-through goes a long way to establishing good relations with the news media. School, 43 Margaret St. . It includes features and characteristics that are not available in a traditional news release, such as: In addition to having good written communication skills, a successful PIO also needs to be able to speak effectively. Emergency management knowledge including an understanding of NIMS, ICS, the JIS, and the JIC. Develop a picture of who you want to reach with your message by asking: Now that you know what you want to communicate and to whom you will communicate, next you need to develop and implement your campaign. Lets start by reviewing the Incident Command System (ICS) and the PIOs role in ICS. 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. I would urge you to be careful whenever you travel, Smith said. ., Example 2:There is more severe weather on the way as a large storm cell is moving across Livingston Parish into EBR. They also tell people how they can prepare for a disaster, and protect themselves when disaster strikes. 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 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. Zoom lenses, parabolic microphones, and just plain observant reporters may be able to discover sensitive or protected information from your incident command post (e.g., zoom shots of maps, recorded conversations, etc.). Show emotion as appropriate, but dont use big gestures. A well-executed interview will likely not A. advance leaderships goals. %PDF-1.6 % Increased information needs can be handled. Wear your uniform or neat, conservative attire if not in uniform. 1. Describe the target audiences for the PIO. Proactivity occurs during A. It is important to note that traditional media sources are not being replaced by social media; instead, traditional media are using social media to connect with their audiences and expand their reach. Describe the role and function of the PIO. Communicating factual information with the public is the most important job function of a PIO. Construct and deliver an appropriate crisis and emergency risk message. You can find the complete list of courses in the Spanish language course list. All social networking sites allow users to find people they know among the members, or look for other members with similar interests or affiliations. Determining hazard impact is a crucial component in emergency planning. Knowing how to effectively speak to media representatives using both verbal and nonverbal communication. Please note that the is program now requires a fema sid to be used instead of your ssn. C. result in the need to conduct follow-up interviews. D. enhance agency credibility. As part of conducting research, you have identified populations in the community who are vulnerable and need the information from your campaign. Hundreds are so ill that they end up being admitted to the hospital. Under the ICS, the PIO works for: A. The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. What problems are you having in your community? Another way to express your key message B. Media management skills including knowing what the media wants, managing amateur journalists, and using media pools and media areas. Public Information and Warning . A media pool: Note: Media pools can cause disagreements among the media. Learn and respect your media contacts deadlines. 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. C. is a failed theory and should not be used by modern public information officers. * The social media links provided are for reference only. hbbd```b``+@$S4X$ vA$[0,v DI%09D`vH2& H/ `{I 30 0 `B Look at the audience, but dont lock eyes with any one person and dont look into the camera. It is important to prepare each person to ensure your message is consistent. In order to keep a consistent two-way flow of information with the media representatives at the scene, it is important to make it relatively easy to communicate with them face to face. Themes weaved throughout the series include the 95/5 concept and an emphasis on whole community strategic communication planning. On the couples dresser were two heat-seared imprints where Martinez had left his wallet and cell phone as he frantically scrambled to ensure his familys leap to safety. What is in it for them? +O,))8+l"O{i9"5QKh^R7YH'gI@P+,,#+pbH,ZJt-9#)*~{"Dxu Some tips for speaking publicly and improving your responses (or assisting and preparing a speaker) are: When distributing written products or speaking to the media, you will often need to work with a person to get your information out. The news release should use the inverted pyramid as illustrated below. 17. Successful written communication conveys your key messages and: More information on writing clearly and effectively is presented in Lesson 3. The PIOs primary responsibility to organizational leadership as an advisor is to: A. It was absolutely the very best thing we could have done. 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. This awareness-level training is suitable for new PIOs. The proliferation of this idea has led many people to wonder How do I prepare for a zombie apocalypse?. Additionally, it can provide those in executive-level roles with the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. The latest information on activities, events, and resources. Coordinate access to policymakers and others (e.g., first responders and disaster survivors). D. The ninety-five (95%) segment of the 95/5 concept, 5. What is the community sentiment toward your organization or the issue? The Incident Commander B. Coordinate information being distributed to ensure consistency with other agencies messages. Depending on where the media area is, the media representatives will need to be able to connect with their microwave towers or uplink with a satellite. The Sonoran Desert will be among the hottest places on the globe for the next 4 months. Resident/Non-Resident, Trainer Program, etc. For each of these toolstelevision, newspaper, radio, news briefings, and evolving mediayou need written products. This course should take approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes to complete. .. Office: (301) 447-1200 Fax: (301) 447-1201, (800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-7585 Supporting information can be described as: A. Preparing quality written products including news releases. Below are some tips for writing in a clear, concise, and organized manner: Although active voice is preferred and is more interesting, passive voice may be appropriate when the doer is unknown or you want to focus on the receiver of the action. A news release should be used when an activity or incident is newsworthy based on: News releases should be printed on your organizations letterhead and include a header with contact information (name and number), date, and a news release number. Tammy Kikuchi: Having the Joint Information Center for this event was critical. B. describes a writing technique applied to social media content. Doug Miser. Were people prepared for previous incidents? Brian Hyer: We had all kinds of questions. Even the best writer can make mistakes, particularly when under pressure or in a time crunch. Serves in an ICS role 2. Using acronyms in news releases may:A. Joanne H. Moreau: So Mayor Mouse, our mayor, along with the real mayor actually goes to that event and interacts with the people that are present. (Unit 4), Apply public information techniques to a 5% scenario. Guidance on COVID protections for EMI students, and the CDC Coronavirus page for the latest updates on the pandemic response. Note: Often micro-blogs will provide links to Web sites or social networking sites for more information. 0. 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. You can find the complete list of courses in the Spanish language course list. Now that you have some tips for better writing, lets look at how to write a news release. Mayor Holden: Sometimes you have to get your story out very quickly. . Successful blogs are compelling and current, and encourage interaction with readers. ), John enjoys boating, swimming, and to fish. 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. The Zombie Survival Guide identifies the cause of zombies as a virus called solanum. Score .9906. . You can use different types of media and different avenues to get your message out, including: According to a Pew Research Center project conducted in December 2010, Americans now get most of their news information from television and the Internet, with newspaper readership declining. 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. ), Manuals and background information necessary to provide needed information to the public and media, Topic-specific fact sheets, backgrounders, talking points, and news release templates (hard copy and electronic), Business cards with 24/7 contact information, Funding mechanism (i.e., credit card, etc.) Gathering feedback and heading off problems, Explaining your mission, policies, and goals. Youll be quite surprised at how the elected official mouse makes all the difference with the children. 20. With passive voice, the subject is thereceiverof the action. Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1658, Independent Study Program Public information is a vital function in disaster operations that . The AP Stylebook is used by most of the news media. Lieutenant Doug McCleve: The feedback that Im getting, at least from my local news media, is that theyve been very pleased with the access theyve had. Gather, verify, coordinate, and disseminate public information in an emergency from a Joint Information Center. This lesson reviews the four steps in creating a public awareness campaign. Verdi White: And I believe that that has helped in our relationship with the media. Terms of Use, IS-100.b, Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS-200.b, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents, IS-700, National Incident Management System, An Introduction, ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents, ICS-400, Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff, IS-702.a, National Incident Management System (NIMS) Public Information Systems, IS-800.c, National Response Framework, An Introduction. (A media pool refers to a group of news-gathering organizations pooling their resources in the collection of news.) When an emergency happens, ICS is implemented. This lesson covered the knowledge and skills you need to effectively manage emergency public information during an incident: The next lesson summarizes your role as a PIO and how to use all the tools available to you to help your community be prepared and to share critical information when an incident happens. Once again, we see a fire threatening our citizens and their homes. Well, were here to answer that question for you, and hopefully share a few tips about preparing forrealemergencies too! A micro-blog is a type of blog where the message is shorter. The heat on the desert floor isnt just a nuisance, its expensive & lethal. endstream endobj startxref if4-0lP,H^F1!P`8FF@T br.afQP0G@U@} )F%H (wtP9 lF `PFn*Lks]k^s9LgsXxh|s ]bpa There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. As demonstrated by the examples, micro-blogging has become an important source of information in preparation of, during, and after crisis situations. The ultimate goal of all public safety endeavors is to save lives, protect property, and preserve the environmentand almost all reporters would agree that their needs will come after these important tasks. Message mapping B. Dissemination C. Tracking and documentation D. Media analysis. Consider your resources and your role in ICS. Practice talking in 5-second to 8-second sound bites. The most important point is is an example of a transition phrase or: A. hb```"g@($CC4i9"Mp1:u3;;:*&d@|Hh 9C$,;30K2=e$b00 D! 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. hbbd```b``"_H|LI&x9"$ ;Dr?*&Fvql2r S3 In their haste, each suffered minor injuries, including stitches for their son who cut his ankle on the glass of the first floor window. The public information officer (PIO) reports to the incident commander, who in turn reports to the agency or jurisdictions responsible. Identify contacts and sources that are relevant to your organization. Identify how messages should be conveyed. Jeff Leduff: We are the first line of information for the rest of the team because were out there all the time. Social media have changed how quickly information about a disaster is available. Holding the session indoors, if possible. Check with them to see if the location selected for a media area will allow them to accomplish this connection. Through ancient voodoo and folk-lore traditions, shows like theWalking Deadwere born. The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. B. is to wait for direction from the incident commander. C. includes reporting to the Operations Section Chief during an incident response. %%EOF It will keep you focused and is the foundation for evaluating your campaigns success. Now lets take a look at how one mayor, Mayor Kip Holden, ensures his community, the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in East Baton Rouge Parish, is prepared. B. report to the Finance/Admin Section Chief when arriving at an incident. News releases should adhere to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. In a span of, I think, 2 months, we took in roughly about almost three thousand kids at various sites to talk to them about different safety things. D. Identify opportunities for public awareness campaigns. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Public Information Officer (PIO) training program is designed to provide PIOs with the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to support proper decision-making by delivering the right message, to the right people, at the right time. Watching the background. Switchboard: (301) 447-1000 Although firefighters were able to knock down the blaze before it reached the parents bedroom, the smoke-blackened walls dramatically underscored how lucky they were to escape with their lives. A theme that begins in this course and is carried throughout the Public Information Training Series, the 95/5 concept A. is a management concept unique to public information management. A tornado strikes in the Midwest. B. an important part of the PIOs job. What do you want people to know or do after hearing your message? Emergency Management Institute A PIOs proactive approach to public information enhances credibility in messaging. View IS-29.a - Public Information Officer Awareness | FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI).pdf from CIS 20 at SUNY Empire State College. One of the advantages of the Incident Command System (ICS) is: A. Also, it may be necessary to explain to them the danger, and how if they fail to heed the warnings and become injured, they may endanger others who would have to then go in to rescue them (e.g., passing into the plume of a Hazmat area, traveling over an unsafe structure that may collapse, or moving into the line of fire of an armed suspect). Influence an audience to modify behavior C. Sell government or nonprofit products and programs D. Enhance social media, 11. * Redundancy is important in case the computer you are using doesnt have an available or operating USB port or CD drive. For highly visible or controversial matters, it might be best to have a leader in the organization speak. All goals should have a target date for completion. Tools to enhance the flow of public information are housed. Treat all media fairlydo not play favorites with reporters. How to Remember Better: A Study Tip for Your Next Major Exam, (13 Tips From Repeaters) How to Pass the LET the First Time, [5 Proven Tactics & Bonus] How to pass the Neuro-Psychiatric Exam, 5 Research-Based Techniques to Pass Your Next Major Exam, 2023 Civil Service Exam (CSE) Reviewer: A Resource Page, [Free PDF] 2023 LET Reviewer: The Ultimate Resource Page, [52 Test Answers] FEMA IS-251A: IPAWS for Alerting Administrators, [26 Test Answers] FEMA IS-284A: Using the Substantial Damage Estimator 3.0 Tool, [32 Test Answers] FEMA IS-1120: Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs), [23 Test Answers] FEMA IS-101C: Preparing for Federal Disaster Operations: FEMA. How or what can your community learn from these events? Many different social media monitoring tools are available. Contact commercial vendors to identify contacts and the process for news releases. . But all four occupants miraculously escaped and the 45-year-old dad told the Ventura County Star: We thank God that were alive, regardless of what we lost up there.. At the end of this course, participants will be able to: Federal Emergency Management Agency | Emergency Management Institute, Notice to Applicants for EMI or NFA Courses, How to apply for a FEMA Independent Study course (Online Course), How to apply for a course held in EMI (On-Campus Course), Non-Resident Courses (EMI Courses Conducted by States), National Standard Exercise Curriculum (NSEC), Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP), Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP), National Incident Management System (NIMS), Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC), Disaster Field Training Operations (DFTO), Schools Multihazard and Mass Casualty Planning, Virtual Table Top Exercise (VTTX) (Sites participate from home via VTC), Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, Exercise Simulation System Document (ESSD), Guidance on COVID protections for EMI students, Please review the IS FAQ's for more information, Define emergency public information and the importance of being proactive. Increase community preparedness is not specific. Communicating public information messages internally to the workforce is important because it allows the PIO to: A. Avoid acronyms. Serves as an advisor to the Incident Commander. When something happens, the PIO needs the media to get information to the public but also needs to manage the scene and guide the story. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Provide public information, emergency public information, and community education to your internal and external target audiences. The test questions are scrambled to protect the integrity of the exam. Its community preparedness. Describe how to have a successful relationship with the news media. As a PIO, you will likely communicate public information and emergency public information as well as conduct community education. The role of the PIO is the same regardless of the type or size of the event. Additionally, students conduct various public information activities and exercises, to include writing messages and conducting press conferences. The information you provide: In addition to the qualities necessary to be a good PIO, there are skills and knowledge you need to ensure your success. The following was originally posted on CDC Public Health Matters Blog on May 16, 2011, by Ali S. Khan. Lesson 3 introduced the importance of establishing relationships with the media. As with ICS, the JIS is as simple or complex as the needs of the situation. Who is likely to be affected by the hazard or threat? PIOs need to have a thorough understanding of the communities they serve. As a PIO, you need to: In the next lesson you will learn about various tools available to you for communicating with the community. An important part of your role as a PIO is to communicate with your community before something happens. C. only required when dictated by the Incident Commander. Having clear goals is the foundation for your campaign. You need to write to your audience. The median salary for a public information officer is near 60,000 a year in most states and between 80,000 and 90,000 a year in higher cost of living states. Poor grammar and misspelled words can confuse the audience and hurt your credibility, but the most important goal is to communicate. Select the correct definition Emergency Public Information 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. Determine who your audience is, what they need to know, and what they already know. Evolving media (Web sites, email, blogs, social networking sites, etc.). Do they have special communication needs (e.g., visual or hearing impairments, or limited English proficiency)? It also helps identify the target audience for a particular public awareness campaign. 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. While it is not the responsibility of the PIO to provide food or facilities for the media, a little kindness in this area can go far in building a positive relationship with the mediaespecially if the incident occurs in a remote area where few if any comfort facilities exist (e.g., if the incident is in a remote field, a porta-john will go a long way in making friends!). Time is a crucial element in any public awareness campaign. Use examples and comparisons to help convey unfamiliar information, to paint a picture, or to help the reader relate to the information. List the skills needed to be an effective PIO. Check off the things you would plan to include in your Go Kit and add other items as you see fit. FEMA-NIMS@fema.dhs.gov NIMS Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers 2 II. 'Ss S>*2MbX^f . Blogs to cover events as they are happening. 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. Is there any restriction on the information to be released? He and his wife threw open their window and helped their kids drop to waiting neighbors gathered below. A good overview of ICS is provided in the independent study . Evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign. Resource Typing Definition for Response . If you do not want something recorded by the media, cover it up or shield it with a vehicle. This feature can facilitate abuse of the system. Email is also an ideal tool for communicating within your organization because you generally have access to your colleagues email addresses. Describe how to develop and execute a public awareness campaign. Are there cultural differences to take into consideration? Making sure community members understand the events that unfold during severe weather, pandemics, and non-emergency scenarios .

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