the role of the public information officer fema

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. C. will transfer to a planning position if no media covers an incident. Sit on your coat tail to keep your jacket from riding up. Here are the FEMA test answers to IS-29.A: Public Information Officer Awareness. Join to apply for the Public Information Officer - 48752 role at University of California, Merced. Public information is a vital function in disaster operations that contributes greatly to saving lives and protecting property. wA{)K+Xk80538L``V[mvWS|?9U7 I would urge you to be careful whenever you travel, Smith said. As a PIO, you will likely communicate public information and emergency public information as well as conduct community education. The JIS is a system that ensures coordination and integration of information across jurisdictions, organizations, and agencies during an incident. Identify the purpose of what you are writing and start with the main message. 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. ., Example 2:There is more severe weather on the way as a large storm cell is moving across Livingston Parish into EBR. Private wiki servers require user authentication to edit pages, and sometimes even to read them. Two PIOs talking to each other on the phone about a news story that involves both of their agencies. They heighten awareness of community hazards and encourage the public to take steps to become more prepared. * The social media links provided are for reference only. It was four, five, and six teams from every news, particularly the TV stations sending out that many cameras with that many reporters from each station and it just was incredible, not to mention the newspapers, the radio stations, the smaller papers in the area plus national media. 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. The best approach is to meet with school officials early to determine when your program best fits their schedule. Traditional media (print, radio, television). The median, annual pay for public relations specialists, during the same period, was $52,090, with the top 10 . !]U9[MZ\waQ>yICK{",|.NH&ec* 'C/M;WrQJ6bs\ 886} Mayor Holden: We have what they call Mayor Mouse, and Mayor Mouse basically is operated to go to various schools. You cant manage who shows up but you can and should manage contact with the site. 0 If you need to build an email list, consider including a place for people to sign up on your Web site. To help you in monitoring conversations on social media sites, you may want to use a social media monitoring tool or social media dashboard. 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 He and his wife threw open their window and helped their kids drop to waiting neighbors gathered below. 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. endstream endobj startxref They have access to the officials. With the advent of social media, another type of news release you may want to use is the Social Media Release (SMR). (Unit 3), Recall preparation techniques that contribute to a successful media interview. For more information on the Public Information Officer training program, contact FEMA-Master_PIO_Program@fema.dhs.gov. What do they already know about the topic? * The social media links provided are for reference only. Expert Help. Web sites can link to social media sites, help you collect email addresses, display videos, house blogs, or link to other Web sites. Practice talking in 5-second to 8-second sound bites. Are there cultural differences to take into consideration? Joanne H. Moreau: We focus a lot on making sure that we have a very accurate and timely information process of information dissemination. Social Media: Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse. Blogs are a good tool to use to communicate with your audience. 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. D. Identify opportunities for public awareness campaigns. A directory of your organizations Internet presence. The Sonoran Desert will be among the hottest places on the globe for the next 4 months. Check off the things you would plan to include in your Go Kit and add other items as you see fit. Sound bite B. Once you have identified your goal, write it down! Provide public information, emergency public information, and community education to your internal and external target audiences. Selects the right tools for the messages. A. Successful blogs are compelling and current, and encourage interaction with readers. During an incident, the media wants: At an incident scene, after you have conferred with the Incident Commander to assess the situation, you can begin to manage the situation by making contact with the media. Recall preparation techniques that contribute to a successful media interview. There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. 281757518-Role-of-Catering-Establishment-in-Tourism-Industry-PRINT.docx. hb```"g@($CC4i9"Mp1:u3;;:*&d@|Hh 9C$,;30K2=e$b00 D! Emergency Management Institute With passive voice, the subject is thereceiverof the action. Your organization may have other format preferences, such as single-spaced and one-page only. Themes weaved throughout the series include the 95/5 concept and an emphasis on whole community strategic communication planning. Establish contact with other agency PIOs. Avoid visuals C. Chunk content to make it more scannable D. Maximize search results by using acronyms, 6. (Incorrect), John enjoys boating, swimming, and fishing. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. Your media list should be current, complete, and tailored to your organization. Work within the emergency management system. Lets start by reviewing the Incident Command System (ICS) and the PIOs role in ICS. Under the ICS, the PIO works for: A. Learn and respect your media contacts deadlines. Sometimes logging in for a session is recommended, to create a wiki-signature cookie for signing edits automatically. Additionally, it can provide those in executive-level roles with the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. 0. %%EOF Additionally, it can provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and . The press saw it. Describe how to have a successful relationship with the news media. Media pools are used to restrict access to an area due to space limitations or safety issues. 1928 0 obj <> endobj 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. For some incidents, implementing a media area may be an important way to manage the situation. Please review the IS FAQ's for more information. Possess and enhance certain qualities and skills that make an effective PIO. The Incident Command System is a fundamental element of emergency management. Verdi White: And I believe that that has helped in our relationship with the media. Even the best writer can make mistakes, particularly when under pressure or in a time crunch. . (Correct), The report was written by the officer. Different types of Web sites can be used to get information to your community: Email is another way that you can get information to members of your community and organization. Mayor Holden: Sometimes you have to get your story out very quickly. The table below summarizes what you need to provide for a print story, and identifies the advantages and limitations of print. Tammy Kikuchi: The response was overwhelming. Preparing quality written products including news releases. As part of conducting research, you have identified populations in the community who are vulnerable and need the information from your campaign. EMI is introducing a limited number of IS courses that have been translated to the Spanish language. C. Monitors costs related to the incident, and provides . Speak to several members of the media at one time, especially during an incident. Social media have changed how quickly information about a disaster is available. Select the right media to reach the target audience. hbbd```b``"_H|LI&x9"$ ;Dr?*&Fvql2r S3 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. (Unit 4), Given a scenario, apply the 8-Step Model to a public awareness campaign. An important difference in these evolving media is that anyone can report the informationit could be a reporter, you, someone in your organization, or anyone in the public. (Unit 2), Describe the types of written products used in public information activities. A campaign on hurricane awareness wont get much play in December. Coordinate access to policymakers and others (e.g., first responders and disaster survivors). Make sure the media area is far enough away and/or your workspaces are shielded from prying cameras, microphones, and eyes. 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. In the next lesson you will learn how to communicate effectively when an incident happens. You need to write to your audience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median, annual pay for public relations managers was $91,180 in May 2012, with the top 10 percent earning more than $166,000. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. One that is completely out of reach is de-motivating. Disclosing information to the public in ways that are easy to find and use. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. C. Identify all the news media covering the area. Resource Typing Definition for Response . Additionally, it can provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. The media will want to get as close as possible to get pictures/audio/interviews. B. cause the intended audience to act on requests in the message. It can be taken alone or before Basic Public Information Officer Training (G290). 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 . . Social media sites help disaster survivors look for lost family members and pets, and provide information on where to get assistance, where to find shelter, and how to give aid. Spelling- and grammar-checking tools (printed and computer software). This fundamental principle is the basis for public information in emergency management in this country. Lets review the different types of communication tools in more detail, starting with print media. Look at the audience, but dont lock eyes with any one person and dont look into the camera. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. List the skills needed to be an effective PIO. Construct and deliver an appropriate crisis and emergency risk message. 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. Some examples of evolving media tools are: Web sites can be used alone or in conjunction with traditional media and other evolving media to get your message out. 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. Through ancient voodoo and folk-lore traditions, shows like theWalking Deadwere born. (What will motivate them?). If you anticipate what they will want, you will have a better chance to manage the scene and help guide the story. 20. 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. May allow access to more than one person from each media type when necessary (e.g., television reporter and a camera operator, or newspaper reporter and photographer). Many wikis are open to alteration by the general public without requiring them to register user accounts. Determine who your audience is, what they need to know, and what they already know. *F ;/7Bw1p i~$^y' _r] They tell the public about services and programs that can affect their lives, like information about staying healthy, fire safety, and changes in community college tuition. In their zeal to get the story reporters may not always recognize the potential for danger to themselves. The Public Information Officer is responsible for interfacing with the public and media and/or with other agencies with incident-related information requirements. Is there any restriction on the information to be released? Email can be used to get people: In order for email to work, you need to have a good email distribution list. Mayor Holden: By having that access it really helped us to quell the various rumors that were out there and we were able to keep the situation calm. %%EOF Video sharing sites to expand or market a story, and. Other zombie origins shown in films include radiation from a destroyed NASA Venus probe (as inNight of the Living Dead), as well as mutations of existing conditions such as prions, mad-cow disease, measles and rabies. What will you change in future campaigns? Describe the role and function of the Public Information Officer (PIO). 524 0 obj <>stream Example: Press Release Using Inverted Pyramid Format. 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. Effective public communication involves collecting, verifying, and disseminating information to your target audiences. When considering whether a goal is attainable, ask yourself: Do I have the skills and resourcesor can I get themto achieve this goal? Conducting public awareness campaigns; Gathering key information/details of the event; Prioritizing and issuing notices, alerts, and warnings; Taking action to maintain control of rumors; Coordinating inquiries from the public, the media, and elected officials; Coordinating tours or other interviews with agency reps and the media People have a right and a need to know about the risks they face. They can be timelesslike encouraging children to be active. Goals should be stated in clear, concise terms that have meaning for those working on the campaign and other key stakeholders. In other words, express parallel ideas in parallel grammatical forms. 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. 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. 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. NIMS describes the use of the Joint Information System (JIS) to complete the critical tasks of information sharing and coordination. You can learn how to protect yourself from heat with some resources on our website including our Heat Brochure, Heat Related Illness Tips for Schools and our newly revised Heat Emergency Response Plan. B. report to the Finance/Admin Section Chief when arriving at an incident. How knowledgeable is the audience on this topic? Imagine your living room exploding in flames and your family cut off from the only door down the stairs from your second-floor condominium. News releases should adhere to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. Who is likely to be affected by the hazard or threat? School, 43 Margaret St. . Final Exam for: IS-29.a: Public Information Officer. Contact local, tribal, territorial, and State press associations to obtain media lists. Access to you and the newsmakers or persons in charge. 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. Did the message reach the targeted audience? 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. . C. request additional assistance through the National Public Information Support Network. Uses correct grammar and contains no spelling or punctuation errors. 4. It will keep you focused and is the foundation for evaluating your campaigns success. As the PIO, you must know your organizations role in an emergency and have emergency management knowledge, including: This lesson introduced you to your role as a Public Information Officer (PIO). Print medianewspapers and magazinesare the first type of mass media developed. Select the correct definition 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. When a newsworthy incident occurs, the media will be there, whether youve invited them or not! Avoid acronyms. Thats what happened to Jose Martinez yesterday morning as he woke early to get his 9-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son off to school on time. Campaigns that combine a mix of media are more likely to be effective in influencing people. Smith activated the State Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates State firefighting efforts in these situations. They also tell people how they can prepare for a disaster, and protect themselves when disaster strikes. 'Ss S>*2MbX^f Now that youve got a goal statement, the next step is to create messages in support of the goal that are suited to your target audience. Uses information from other members of the local unit to develop accurate, accessible, and complete information on an Making sure community members understand the events that unfold during severe weather, pandemics, and non-emergency scenarios . To read this blog, go to:http://emergency.cdc.gov/. Communication with internal agency personnel is A. not a role undertaken by a PIO. Use the media area for all media releases and conferences. Many organizations follow stylebooks that establish how they will communicate with the public in terms of titles, capitalization, punctuation, and so on. 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? 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. . Social networking sites are online communities that connect people. 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. endstream endobj 1929 0 obj <. The role of the public information officer A. is strictly dictated by the National Qualification System position task book. Having such knowledge enables them to make informed choices that affect their health and well-being. While local, tribal, territorial, and State governments may have different laws regarding transparency and open government the general principles are to be: As a PIO, it is important to know the laws that apply in your area because of your role in providing information to the public. Keep the subject and verb close together. Three PIOs on the scene of a crisis huddling prior to making a statement to the media. User: The Public Information Officer: A. Interfaces with the public and media and/or with other agencies regarding incident-related information requirements. Switchboard: (301) 447-1000 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. Public Information and Warning . Develop and pre-test materials C. Develop an action planD. D. The ninety-five (95%) segment of the 95/5 concept, 5. Determining hazard impact is a crucial component in emergency planning. Recognize various legal aspects associated with emergencies and public information. Provide information and updates in a timely manner. Creates a positive impression of your organization. Successful written communication conveys your key messages and: More information on writing clearly and effectively is presented in Lesson 3. Serves as an advisor to the Incident Commander. Allows access to one media representative from television, radio, print, and Internet to a restricted area. It is important to prepare each person to ensure your message is consistent. There are also professional social networking sites with sections for jobs. D. seek media release approval from the Communication Unit Leader., 24. Blogs to cover events as they are happening. 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!). 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. Public information can help people make the right decision at the right time.

Is Controlled Chaos Curly Girl Approved, Articles T