the role of the public information officer femathe role of the public information officer fema

Avoid fillers (um, er, uh); dont be afraid to pause while formulating an answer. This demonstrates how social media are now an integral part of our lives and a valuable part of the PIOs toolkit. 18. Unfortunately, these hazardous materials are creating a dangerous situation for all of us. All goals should have a target date for completion. Walter Monsour: So, the message was managed extremely well. The process for ensuring that a public information message was accurately conveyed is typically called: A. Score .9906. Using acronyms in news releases may:A. Now that you have some tips for better writing, lets look at how to write a news release. Possess and enhance certain qualities and skills that make an effective PIO. 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 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. This process includes: Your goal statement expresses what you hope to achieve through your campaign. Next you need to identifyhowyou will communicate. Evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign. 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. As exemplified in the Pew Research study, people are getting information from sources other than traditional media. The Sonoran Desert will be among the hottest places on the globe for the next 4 months. 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. What is in it for them? . For each of these toolstelevision, newspaper, radio, news briefings, and evolving mediayou need written products. Tammy Kikuchi: I would say it, whatever expense it takes for your Public Information Officers to get the training, spend it. 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. Joanne H. Moreau: Working with the children, and with such an emphasis on the children, we wanted a tool that could reach them. Under the ICS, the PIO works for: A. Through ancient voodoo and folk-lore traditions, shows like theWalking Deadwere born. ), John enjoys boating, swimming, and to fish. Weve all seen at least one movie about flesh-eating zombies taking over (my personal favorite isResident Evil), but where do zombies come from and why do they love eating brains so much? NIMS provides a consistent, systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work seamlessly to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity, in order to reduce the loss of life and property and harm to the environment. 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. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. Time is a crucial element in any public awareness campaign. 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. Narrator: Red Stick Ready targets every segment of the community. The Incident Commander B. 3 Step Guide for Assistance. When preparing written products, it is important that your message is understood. * The social media links provided are for reference only. NIMS Overview Communities across the nation experience a diverse range of threats, hazards, and events. Make sure the media area is far enough away and/or your workspaces are shielded from prying cameras, microphones, and eyes. With the advent of social media, another type of news release you may want to use is the Social Media Release (SMR). 494 0 obj <> endobj 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. An important part of your role as a PIO is to communicate with your community before something happens. NIMS describes the use of the Joint Information System (JIS) to complete the critical tasks of information sharing and coordination. Check off the things you would plan to include in your Go Kit and add other items as you see fit. Speculation C. Summarizing D. Bridging, 12. Describe the role and function of the PIO. Work to keep them out of danger as you would any member of the public. NIMS Description of the PIOs Responsibilities. Social marketing is the use of commercial marketing principles to: A. As demonstrated by the examples, micro-blogging has become an important source of information in preparation of, during, and after crisis situations. (For example: The suspicious package was the size of a laptop computer. Check Web sites and social media sites, read newspapers, watch TV, and listen to radio to know how your message is getting out. Creates a positive impression of your organization. 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. 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. Sometimes logging in for a session is recommended, to create a wiki-signature cookie for signing edits automatically. Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1658, Independent Study Program When considering whether a goal is attainable, ask yourself: Do I have the skills and resourcesor can I get themto achieve this goal? What do they already know about the topic? Describe the target audiences for the PIO. The median, annual pay for public relations specialists, during the same period, was $52,090, with the top 10 . Salary Statistics for Public Information Officers. If there is a reason that the media cannot be allowed access to the scene, consider using a media pool to restrict access while allowing them to get the images and interviews they desire. Later in the day, Deputy Mayor Mike Tracy and I stood in the same bedroom, getting a first-hand briefing from Fire Chief Kevin Rennie and Capt. (Unit 4), Apply public information techniques to a 5% scenario. The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. C. Identify all the news media covering the area. Be accessible and return calls and emails promptly. Having clear goals is the foundation for your campaign. (Unit 3), Recall preparation techniques that contribute to a successful media interview. Year in and year out, nearly 1,400 Arizonans get heat related illnesses so serious that they end up in an emergency department. Switchboard: (301) 447-1000 This physical site is called the Joint Information Center (JIC), and is the location where: Narrator: When the State of Utah began to accept evacuees from the Gulf States as a result of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, they implemented a Joint Information Center. Responds to the media while respecting restrictions on the release of sensitive information. 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 EMI is introducing a limited number of IS courses that have been translated to the Spanish language. 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). As a PIO, you will likely communicate public information and emergency public information as well as conduct community education. Generally, there is no review before modifications are accepted. Overview: The FEMA IS-29.A course was published on 8/5/2019 to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. Jeff Leduff: We are the first line of information for the rest of the team because were out there all the time. Select the right media to reach the target audience. In this lesson youll learn more about creating public awareness campaigns. Please note that the is program now requires a fema sid to be used instead of your ssn. Emergency management guidance for public- and private-sector organizations C. A database of Federal-level emergency incidents D. Another name for the National Response Framework, 21. Two PIOs talking to each other on the phone about a news story that involves both of their agencies. Last name. Three PIOs on the scene of a crisis huddling prior to making a statement to the media. You cantand dont expect them to stay there all of the time. 1928 0 obj <> endobj The Governor declared the emergency following a similar declaration by Liberty County. (Unit 5). Your organization may have other format preferences, such as single-spaced and one-page only. The following was originally posted on CDC Public Health Matters Blog on May 16, 2011, by Ali S. Khan. Test the message on a safe audience B. 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. (Incorrect), John enjoys boating, swimming, and fishing. . 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. The news release should use the inverted pyramid as illustrated below. One that is completely out of reach is de-motivating. The proliferation of this idea has led many people to wonder How do I prepare for a zombie apocalypse?. Media pools are used to restrict access to an area due to space limitations or safety issues. A. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. Narrator: While responding to disasters, Mayor Holden and his staff began to realize that many of the issues they faced repeatedly could be eliminated if the public was better prepared. When creating your media list: Media information is constantly changing; make sure you have a process to keep your media list up-to-date. Determines what the public needs to know. User: The Public Information Officer: A. Interfaces with the public and media and/or with other agencies regarding incident-related information requirements. Establishing relationships with news media representatives by being accessible and prepared. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is:A. Manages resources including supplies, personnel, and equipment. 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. Communication with internal agency personnel is A. not a role undertaken by a PIO. Lesson 3 introduced the importance of establishing relationships with the media. 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. Sound bite B. This awareness-level training is suitable for new PIOs. B. cause the intended audience to act on requests in the message. 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. The best approach is to meet with school officials early to determine when your program best fits their schedule. 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. For example, you can post videos, use social networking sites, and/or create a blog. 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.)? Overview: The FEMA IS-29.A course was published on 8/5/2019 to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. Many wikis are open to alteration by the general public without requiring them to register user accounts. 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. Some tips for building relationships with your media contacts are: It is important to prepare a list of media outlets and contacts, for everyday activities and to act quickly in an emergency. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. 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. Public awareness campaigns can run for weeks, months, or even sporadically throughout several years. Technology has a great impact on your ability to manage the message. (Unit 4), Given a scenario, apply the 8-Step Model to a public awareness campaign. Evolving media (Web sites, email, blogs, social networking sites, etc.). A PIOs proactive approach to public information enhances credibility in messaging. This lesson introduced you to different tools you can use to communicate your message as a PIO, including: In the next lesson you will learn how to prepare quality written products for these tools and how to speak effectively with the media and to the public. or a non-emergency event. Well, were here to answer that question for you, and hopefully share a few tips about preparing forrealemergencies too! 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). Providing information and access to newsmakers. Understand the National Incident Management System, Incident Command System and their correlation with the emergency response system. 95% B. Within minutes pictures, videos, and messages about the destruction are available on social media sites, Web sites, and throughout the news media. Tornadoes or wildfires in neighboring States may increase your communitys interest in preparedness. Announce events of interest to your community or share information about an incident. At the completion of this lesson you should be able to: Public awareness campaigns are ongoing public education programs that PIOs use to inform, educate, and increase organizational visibility. 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. Each time this test is loaded, you will receive a unique set of questions and answers. The message should be: How will you get the message to your audience? Disclosing information to the public in ways that are easy to find and use. 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. Tammy Kikuchi: Having the Joint Information Center for this event was critical. 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. Time will also impact the shelf-life of your campaign. 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. 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. Use jargon to communicate with your target audience B. %PDF-1.6 % Resident/Non-Resident, Trainer Program, etc. If you use an acronym, make sure your audience understands it. What is happening in other areas? D. is only useful on television infomercials. FEMA-NIMS@fema.dhs.gov NIMS Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers 2 II. 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.. Video sharing sites to expand or market a story, and. Successful blogs are compelling and current, and encourage interaction with readers. They can be seasonallike hurricane preparedness week. 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. Illustrate the multiple roles of the Public Information Officer and the media in planning for and responding to an emergency. Guidance on COVID protections for EMI students, and the CDC Coronavirus page for the latest updates on the pandemic response. . !]U9[MZ\waQ>yICK{",|.NH&ec* 'C/M;WrQJ6bs\ 886} The role of the PIO is the same regardless of the type or size of the event. The following table shows what you need to provide for a television story, the advantages of television, and its limitations. A public awareness campaign is a vehicle you can use to get your message out about being prepared. Additionally, it can provide those in executive-level roles with the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. %%EOF Many edits, however, can be made in real-time and appear almost instantly online. D. a required responsibility of the PIO as outlined by NIMS.. It is important to build relationships with your media contacts. Another way to get information to the media or public is by directly sharing with multiple members of the media through a news conference or briefing. Providing good public information helps people make the right decisions at the right time and can instill public confidence in the organization, which is primarily important because: PIOs shouldA. compile a go kit to allow for lengthy deployments to a long-term incident. Uses correct grammar and contains no spelling or punctuation errors. This lesson presents information on how to effectively communicate with the whole community regarding the importance of being prepared for an incident. nEAH {27(L( o 5UR\sR%or=uG5($#MJ (2*8T-\< 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. 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. 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. 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. Many times at the scene of an incident a media area can be set up to facilitate the enhanced flow of information between the PIO and the media. The fire started near Harvest Junction on the railroad and the fumes from the burning hazardous materials in the cars threaten a number of nearby communities, according to local authorities. Did the message reach the targeted audience? The JIS is a system that ensures coordination and integration of information across jurisdictions, organizations, and agencies during an incident. The rise of zombies in pop culture has given credence to the idea that a zombie apocalypse could happen. ICS is used to manage an emergency incident (like a wildland fire, search and rescue, hurricane, etc.) What events nationally and globally are in the news? the feedback has been, you know, we appreciate this. 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 . Its not complicated; its very easy for them, which makes for better reporting. What are priorities within your organization? A social networking site is a great tool for: Now you know about the many tools available to get your message out. People have a right and a need to know about the risks they face. Do they have special communication needs (e.g., visual or hearing impairments, or limited English proficiency)? Dont date your materials by using the year or referring to news events that will become out-of-date quickly. +O,))8+l"O{i9"5QKh^R7YH'gI@P+,,#+pbH,ZJt-9#)*~{"Dxu Better yet is the number of people who call and request preparedness kits! Proactivity occurs during A. A tornado strikes in the Midwest. D. The ninety-five (95%) segment of the 95/5 concept, 5. This lesson presents information on tools you can use in support of your role as a Public Information Officer (PIO). These examples are micro-blogs from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (Example 1), the Mayors Office of Homeland Security in Baton Rouge (LA) (Example 2), and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (Example 3). You can entice them to stay by giving them regular official updates and letting them know that if they are absent they may miss something important or interesting. Blogs are Web sites that allow you to engage in a conversation with readers. Guidance on COVID protections for EMI students, and the CDC Coronavirus page for the latest updates on the pandemic response. This fundamental principle is the basis for public information in emergency management in this country. Demonstrating an understanding of media needs and operations. Governor James Smith today declared a state of emergency in the Great A&P fire that is rapidly spreading west. Coming back after the fire to retrieve them, their ghostly shadows left indelible evidence of the inferno that swept through their home. 140-character stand-alone micro-blog statements. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. 17. The public information officer for an organization A. should clear all public documents with neighboring agencies before release. Final Exam for: IS-29.a: Public Information Officer. Studies show that people read differently online than when they read printed materials, therefore, when you write for the Web or social media you should: A. 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. It is important to prepare each person to ensure your message is consistent. A good overview of ICS is provided in the independent study . Describe how to have a successful relationship with the news media. This lesson presents information on how to effectively communicate with the media and the whole community. 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 Your media list should be current, complete, and tailored to your organization. Evaluation is crucial for judging the effectiveness of a public awareness campaign. Determining hazard impact is a crucial component in emergency planning. 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. . C. request additional assistance through the National Public Information Support Network. Include information on evolving media contacts, instructions, and resources. Wear your uniform or neat, conservative attire if not in uniform. Take a zombie apocalypse for example. The Governor repeated his request that everyone use caution and heed warning messages on TV and radio, or in their newspapers. This is a release that you post online. B. is to wait for direction from the incident commander. C. includes reporting to the Operations Section Chief during an incident response. Create clear and easily understood messages. Office: (301) 447-1200 Fax: (301) 447-1201, (800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-7585 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. All social networking sites allow users to find people they know among the members, or look for other members with similar interests or affiliations. Questions to answer when evaluating a public awareness campaign include the following: You can collect data about your campaign in different ways. 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. Select this link to access a printable . It can be taken alone or before Basic Public Information Officer Training (G290). Hundreds are so ill that they end up being admitted to the hospital. C. is presented as a bad example of public information management. Recognize various legal aspects associated with emergencies and public information. It can be taken alone or before Basic Public Information Officer Training (G290). Policies for evolving media (e.g., who can post, what can be posted, how to respond to negative comments, etc.). Transparency in government promotes efficiency and effectiveness and allows the people in your community to understand and participate in your processes. The heat on the desert floor isnt just a nuisance, its expensive & lethal. A secondary audience is elected or other officials such as Incident Commanders or emergency operations center managers who want an overview of emergency public information. C. result in the need to conduct follow-up interviews. D. enhance agency credibility. If you hope to work with schools, plan well in advance to coordinate with their schedules and curriculum. You cant manage who shows up but you can and should manage contact with the site. 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. Joanne H. Moreau: The media is embedded in our Emergency Operations Center. People use technology to tell others that they are okay. Tammy Kikuchi: The Joint Information Center and the Command Staff out there would hold daily briefings for the media, and quite honestly that took much of the heat, if you will, off the Governors office. Write out the full term on first usage, as appropriate.
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