the role of the public information officer fema

As part of conducting research, you have identified populations in the community who are vulnerable and need the information from your campaign. Walter Monsour: So, the message was managed extremely well. 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. Themes weaved throughout the series include the 95/5 concept and an emphasis on whole community strategic communication planning. It also helps identify the target audience for a particular public awareness campaign. Note: Often micro-blogs will provide links to Web sites or social networking sites for more information. This includes: More information on learning about the whole community is presented in Lesson 4. Office: (301) 447-1200 Fax: (301) 447-1201, (800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-7585 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. 18. Serves in an ICS role 2. To be eligible for the course, the student must successfully complete the following courses: The completion of the following courses is recommended but not required: The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) is an Accredited Provider (AP) of Continuing Education Units (CEU) and is authorized to award the following CEUs for successful completion of this activity: IACET (International Association of Continuing Education and Training) 3.2 CEUs, 1-866-213-9553 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST, Contact Us The role of the public information officer A. is strictly dictated by the National Qualification System position task book. Contact commercial vendors to identify contacts and the process for news releases. Additionally, it can provide those in executive-level roles with the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. The participant will benefit from participating in entry-level incident command system training prior to taking this course. D. takes its origin from two sources: management consultant D. Edward Deming and Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto.. Treat all media fairlydo not play favorites with reporters. But its not just preparedness information that the mayor and his team also have a plan for, they also have focused on how to provide critical and accurate information during an emergency by including every emergency response agency in the Emergency Operations Center the EOC and embedding the media in the communication process. 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. In 2008, the average per-person hospital treatment cost for heat related illnesses in Arizona was about $7,500, leading to a whopping $11M in treatment costs. An important part of the PIOs relationship with the media is knowing what they want. An important part of your role as a PIO is to communicate with your community before something happens. Use examples and comparisons to help convey unfamiliar information, to paint a picture, or to help the reader relate to the information. Describe the role and function of the PIO. Knowing how to effectively speak to media representatives using both verbal and nonverbal communication. Technology allows anyone to be a journalist. Images, sound, and information captured by the public can be used by traditional news organizations, or posted to social media sites, and broadcast globally. 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. 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. FEMA-NIMS@fema.dhs.gov NIMS Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers 2 II. 'Ss S>*2MbX^f . Sit on your coat tail to keep your jacket from riding up. Communication with internal agency personnel is A. not a role undertaken by a PIO. People have a right and a need to know about the risks they face. 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). Leaves the decision as to who will be in the pool to the media. That you will get them information and be back to brief themand then do so. This feature can facilitate abuse of the system. Many times the site of a crisis or disaster may be considered a crime scene and needs to be processed by forensic units. You cantand dont expect them to stay there all of the time. You have many resources available to ensure that the information reported about an event and your organization is true and accurate. The following was originally posted on CDC Public Health Matters Blog on May 16, 2011, by Ali S. Khan. If you intend to become a Public Information Officer use these FEMA IS 29.A answers to turn a 7 hour course into one that takes 5 minutes. This lesson introduced you to the steps to create a preparedness campaign: These steps will help you develop a campaign that will inform the whole community about the importance of being ready and preparedness steps to take. One of the advantages of the Incident Command System (ICS) is: A. Selects the right tools for the messages. Refer to the list below. Coordinate information being distributed to ensure consistency with other agencies messages. 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. Television is the main source of news for Americans. 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.). Distribute family emergency preparedness kits through community elementary schools is both clearer and more meaningful. These people are your target audience. hbbd```b``"_H|LI&x9"$ ;Dr?*&Fvql2r S3 Join to apply for the Public Information Officer - 48752 role at University of California, Merced. Different types of written products include the following: View actual news releases, statements, and fact sheets on the InciWeb site [http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/]. They have access to the officials. if you do not have a sid, Test questions are scrambled to protect test integrity. They heighten awareness of community hazards and encourage the public to take steps to become more prepared. Thats right, I said z-o-m-b-i-e a-p-o-c-a-l-y-p-s-e. You may laugh now, but when it happens youll be happy you read this, and hey, maybe youll even learn a thing or two about how to prepare for arealemergency. If you need to build an email list, consider including a place for people to sign up on your Web site. 1. Remember to treat amateur journalists the same as you would any other journalistwith courtesy and respect. The role of a PIO can be executed by one person or as a team, depending on the emergency and what resources are available. Contact local, tribal, territorial, and State press associations to obtain media lists. Determine information to be communicated to the public. Public awareness campaigns can run for weeks, months, or even sporadically throughout several years. With an eye on public safety, the mayor began looking for a way to educate people about disaster preparation and response. 50% C. 25% D. 5%, 9. Disclosing information to the public in ways that are easy to find and use. The five (5%) segment of the 95/5 concept B. downtime when working an emergency. C. blue sky time but makes no difference in credibility. Lets review the different types of communication tools in more detail, starting with print media. 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. Be accessible and return calls and emails promptly. What actions and resources are being used to achieve the objectives? !]U9[MZ\waQ>yICK{",|.NH&ec* 'C/M;WrQJ6bs\ 886} Uses information from other members of the local unit to develop accurate, accessible, and complete information on an 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. Their three-bedroom condo was almost immediately choked in smoke and he could hear screams from below as roaring flames billowed from the balcony outside his front door. The Governor is continuing to monitor the situation. C. is a failed theory and should not be used by modern public information officers. Develop relationships with other organizations PIOs B. This training focuses on both parts of the equation. Prepare a Go Kit filled with your tools, contact information, and other vital documents. Students also learn message development and delivery, legal considerations, press conferences, the operation of a Joint Information Center, stress management, and strategic communication and planning. As exemplified in the Pew Research study, people are getting information from sources other than traditional media. Providing information and access to newsmakers. 1. Do they have special communication needs (e.g., visual or hearing impairments, or limited English proficiency)? Public information entails the processes and systems that enable effective communications with various target audiences. ), John enjoys boating, swimming, and to fish. The proliferation of this idea has led many people to wonder How do I prepare for a zombie apocalypse?. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. Joanne H. Moreau: We are able to work with all agencies and give a real solid unified message. Understand the National Incident Management System, Incident Command System and their correlation with the emergency response system. Supporting information can be described as: A. Once you have identified your goal, write it down! C. result in the need to conduct follow-up interviews. D. enhance agency credibility. It will keep you focused and is the foundation for evaluating your campaigns success. (Unit 4), Apply public information techniques to a 5% scenario. A validation of your key message C. Backgrounders D. Photos, charts, and graphics, 25. Communicating factual information with the public is the most important job function of a PIO. Describe the role of the Public Information Officer (PIO) in an emergency. Its community preparedness. What are people in your community concerned about? (A media pool refers to a group of news-gathering organizations pooling their resources in the collection of news.) News releases are one of the most commonly used tools for PIOs. 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. Many organizations follow stylebooks that establish how they will communicate with the public in terms of titles, capitalization, punctuation, and so on. Describe the role of the PIO in an emergency. Evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign. It can be taken alone or before Basic Public Information Officer Training (G290). Increased information needs can be handled. B. is not bound by public record laws. Resident/Non-Resident, Trainer Program, etc. People use technology to tell others that they are okay. C. Monitors costs related to the incident, and provides . The successful PIO develops credibility and builds relationships with the media by consistently: More information on media relation skills and managing the media is presented in Lessons 3 and 5. Did the message reach the targeted audience? List the skills needed to be an effective PIO. 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. All social networking sites allow users to find people they know among the members, or look for other members with similar interests or affiliations. 0 D. seek media release approval from the Communication Unit Leader., 24. 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. 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. Take a zombie apocalypse for example. ), Prescription medications; basic first-aid supplies, Weather gear (e.g., rain poncho, gloves, sunscreen). This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. %%EOF The highest-ranking State official C. His/her regular boss D. The Operations Section Chief, 13. The Public Information Officer gathers, verifies, coordinates, and disseminates accurate, accessible, and timely information on the incidents cause, size, and current situation; resources committed; and other matters of general interest for both internal and external audiences. What will you change in future campaigns? What is the community sentiment toward your organization or the issue? Practice talking in 5-second to 8-second sound bites. (For example: The suspicious package was the size of a laptop computer. Wear your uniform or neat, conservative attire if not in uniform. 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. Verdi White: And I believe that that has helped in our relationship with the media. wA{)K+Xk80538L``V[mvWS|?9U7 If you anticipate what they will want, you will have a better chance to manage the scene and help guide the story. Conduct research to determine which tool is best to meet your agencys needs. Blogs are Web sites that allow you to engage in a conversation with readers. Tammy Kikuchi: I would say it, whatever expense it takes for your Public Information Officers to get the training, spend it. Media management skills including knowing what the media wants, managing amateur journalists, and using media pools and media areas. When considering whether a goal is attainable, ask yourself: Do I have the skills and resourcesor can I get themto achieve this goal? Score .9906. 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. 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. Timely updates and corrections to information in evolving incidents. The widespread use of social media means you and your organization need to include social media in your communication strategy. Additionally, it can provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and . Use the media area for all media releases and conferences. NIMS Overview Communities across the nation experience a diverse range of threats, hazards, and events. Making sure community members understand the events that unfold during severe weather, pandemics, and non-emergency scenarios . You can find the complete list of courses in the Spanish language course list. How knowledgeable is the audience on this topic? This fundamental principle is the basis for public information in emergency management in this country. Angie Welling: Pretty much every State agency was involved, and thats when we found out pretty early on that the Governor had involved every aspect of State government. Some tips to contribute to your success when managing information during an emergency are: A Go Kit is a mobile response kit that allows PIOs to function in the event that they are working outside of their normal place of operation. News releases should adhere to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. Check Web sites and social media sites, read newspapers, watch TV, and listen to radio to know how your message is getting out. For example, change the location or angle of the lectern so cameras dont capture an unwanted view. The media area is a place where media congregate to help enhance the flow of information. This course has presented you with tools that PIOs can use to communicate, the steps to develop a campaign to prepare your community, and ways to effectively provide critical information during an emergency. The median, annual pay for public relations specialists, during the same period, was $52,090, with the top 10 . Avoid acronyms. 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 well-executed interview will likely not A. advance leaderships goals. Identify the purpose of what you are writing and start with the main message. Gather, verify, coordinate, and disseminate public information in an emergency from a Joint Information Center. Determine who your audience is, what they need to know, and what they already know. Possess and enhance certain qualities and skills that make an effective PIO. 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. 4. For example, you can post videos, use social networking sites, and/or create a blog. 3. Describe how to have a successful relationship with the news media. The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. Mayor Holden: Sometimes you have to get your story out very quickly. Manages resources including supplies, personnel, and equipment. This lesson presents information on how to effectively communicate with the media and the whole community. B. describes a writing technique applied to social media content. 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). PIOs need to have a thorough understanding of the communities they serve. To help you in monitoring conversations on social media sites, you may want to use a social media monitoring tool or social media dashboard. The Student Self Service Portal allows you to print or download Independent Study (IS) Completion Certificates, Student IS Transcripts (for personal or employer use) and Official IS Transcripts (for educational institutions only). B. cause the intended audience to act on requests in the message. C. only required when dictated by the Incident Commander. Last name. C. will transfer to a planning position if no media covers an incident. Joanne H. Moreau: The media is embedded in our Emergency Operations Center. 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. They also tell people how they can prepare for a disaster, and protect themselves when disaster strikes. What do they already know about the topic? The role of the pubic information officer. Even the best writer can make mistakes, particularly when under pressure or in a time crunch. Emergency Manager jobs 33,535 open jobs 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. Where do they go and how do they get there (e.g., do they spend time on public transportation, do they visit the library, do they go to sporting events, etc.)? A tornado strikes in the Midwest. This is a release that you post online. Communicates with internal and external stakeholders. The best approach is to meet with school officials early to determine when your program best fits their schedule. 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. Year in and year out, nearly 1,400 Arizonans get heat related illnesses so serious that they end up in an emergency department.

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