For different audiences, you may need to write different products. *F ;/7Bw1p i~$^y' _r] Narrator: Red Stick Ready targets every segment of the community. The following table shows what you need to provide for a television story, the advantages of television, and its limitations. 'Ss S>*2MbX^f B. is to wait for direction from the incident commander. C. includes reporting to the Operations Section Chief during an incident response. At the completion of this lesson you should be able to: Key to being an effective PIO in an emergency is the ability to: Lets start by looking at what you need to know about emergency management. 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. D. The ninety-five (95%) segment of the 95/5 concept, 5. If you use an acronym, make sure your audience understands it. 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 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. 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). The AP Stylebook is used by most of the news media. Communicating public information messages internally to the workforce is important because it allows the PIO to: A. The course culminates with a practical exercise designed to plan, develop, integrate, and disseminate public information for an emergency, incident, or disaster as part of a Joint Information Center. D. has become ever more complex as the challenge of delivering messages has evolved. Better yet is the number of people who call and request preparedness kits! With passive voice, the subject is thereceiverof the action. 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. 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. The following are excerpts from some successful blogs by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ventura City Manager in Ventura, CA, and the Arizona Department of Health Services. T;)D2Dt `NY"`~XH@P ` The Zombie Survival Guide identifies the cause of zombies as a virus called solanum. 3 Step Guide for Assistance. Your goals should be: The following is an example of a SMART goal: The Hurricane Ready campaign will present information about local hurricane hazards and the steps to take to be prepared by securing by April 5 media placement on three television stations, two newspapers, one social network, and a micro-blog, each week in May.. The rise of zombies in pop culture has given credence to the idea that a zombie apocalypse could happen. Managing public information is another fundamental element of emergency management. Resource Typing Definition for Response . Time is a crucial element in any public awareness campaign. The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. What are priorities within your organization? Uses correct grammar and contains no spelling or punctuation errors. Wear your uniform or neat, conservative attire if not in uniform. Avoid getting involved in these media disputes. Generally, there is no review before modifications are accepted. Learn and respect your media contacts deadlines. The table below summarizes what you need to provide for a print story, and identifies the advantages and limitations of print. They can be seasonallike hurricane preparedness week. 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. ), Prescription medications; basic first-aid supplies, Weather gear (e.g., rain poncho, gloves, sunscreen). Prior to establishing the location for this media area, ask yourself the following questions: Another method you may need to employ to manage the situation is a media pool. The most important point is is an example of a transition phrase or: A. Prepare a Go Kit filled with your tools, contact information, and other vital documents. 95% B. When an emergency happens, ICS is implemented. One that is completely out of reach is de-motivating. We wanted questions answered, we wanted stories to be able to do, and we had one place to go to and that was great. I know our superb team of firefighters will do all they can, but the conditions on the railroad are particularly difficult, Smith said. 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. Brian Hyer: We had all kinds of questions. The Governors declaration allows the use of State resources in paying the costs of fighting the fire. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. . B. is not bound by public record laws. With an eye on public safety, the mayor began looking for a way to educate people about disaster preparation and response. To read this blog, go to:http://emergency.cdc.gov/. It is important to build relationships with your media contacts. Technology has a great impact on your ability to manage the message. Describe traditional media available for communication. News releases should provide accurate, factual information that is attributed to its source. Tell the media representatives: Follow-through goes a long way to establishing good relations with the news media. 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. 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 . Narrator: Red Stick Ready demonstrates how you can develop a strategy that prepares your community for a disaster and effectively provides critical information when an incident happens. Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1658, Independent Study Program A directory of your organizations Internet presence. The highest-ranking State official C. His/her regular boss D. The Operations Section Chief, 13. 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. Communication with internal agency personnel is A. not a role undertaken by a PIO. Look at the audience, but dont lock eyes with any one person and dont look into the camera. B. PIOs need to have a thorough understanding of the communities they serve. 524 0 obj <>stream Use natural gestures, but dont cross your arms, raise your eyebrows, shrug your shoulders, sway, or bounce. %%EOF A. 494 0 obj <> endobj A campaign on hurricane awareness wont get much play in December. 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. People use technology to tell others that they are okay. Walter Monsour: So, the message was managed extremely well. Blogs to cover events as they are happening. Public information is a vital function in disaster operations that . 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. Uses information from other members of the local unit to develop accurate, accessible, and complete information on an 514 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<897144EC39D7C94ABD0F71D9C292EE4A><41375C8F366F3C4EA1877AFFBEEAAE0A>]/Index[494 31]/Info 493 0 R/Length 101/Prev 195410/Root 495 0 R/Size 525/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream 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. Describe how to have a successful relationship with the news media. 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. All of the above, 23. In order to maintain the integrity of the scene and enhance the possibility for a successful investigation and subsequent prosecution, the scene must be kept clear of all nonessential personnel. Describe the target audiences for the PIO. 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. Additionally, it can provide those in executive-level roles with the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. Year in and year out, nearly 1,400 Arizonans get heat related illnesses so serious that they end up in an emergency department. Smith activated the State Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates State firefighting efforts in these situations. User: 4. C. request additional assistance through the National Public Information Support Network. Effective public communication involves collecting, verifying, and disseminating information to your target audiences. 281757518-Role-of-Catering-Establishment-in-Tourism-Industry-PRINT.docx. that can be used to purchase operational resources as needed, Paper forms, in case there is no electronic access (i.e., no Internet access, power outage, etc. Public information entails the processes and systems that enable effective communications with various target audiences. Knowing how to effectively speak to media representatives using both verbal and nonverbal communication. hb```f``z B@16 @>cC?v,gY&9w=K{mg,XRV3Z'le (Incorrect), John enjoys boating, swimming, and fishing. Resident/Non-Resident, Trainer Program, etc. 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. If a media pool is not an option, consider providing professional-quality images to the media in the form of video and stills. 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. Allows access to one media representative from television, radio, print, and Internet to a restricted area. %PDF-1.6 % Show emotion as appropriate, but dont use big gestures. This awareness-level training is suitable for new PIOs. Distribute family emergency preparedness kits through community elementary schools is both clearer and more meaningful. Describe the role and function of the Public Information Officer (PIO). Final Exam for: IS-29.a: Public Information Officer. Joanne H. Moreau: We focus a lot on making sure that we have a very accurate and timely information process of information dissemination. 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. Different types of written products include the following: View actual news releases, statements, and fact sheets on the InciWeb site [http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/]. Use the media area for all media releases and conferences. Students also learn message development and . 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. Each time this test is loaded, you will receive a unique set of questions and answers. Speculation C. Summarizing D. Bridging, 12. How or what can your community learn from these events? Chris Mrela wrote a dynamite report on this a couple of years ago. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. In such a scenario zombies would take over entire countries, roaming city streets eating anything living that got in their way. EMI is introducing a limited number of IS courses that have been translated to the Spanish language. 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). Coordinate information being distributed to ensure consistency with other agencies messages. This lesson presents information on tools you can use in support of your role as a Public Information Officer (PIO). nEAH {27(L( o 5UR\sR%or=uG5($#MJ (2*8T-\< Resident/Non-Resident, Trainer Program, etc. Your media list should be current, complete, and tailored to your organization. How knowledgeable is the audience on this topic? In the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, the Public Information Officer (PIO): A. (Unit 5). 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. Work to keep them out of danger as you would any member of the public. In the next lesson you will learn how to communicate effectively when an incident happens. This lesson introduces you to some emergency management principles contained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Media pools are used to restrict access to an area due to space limitations or safety issues. Join to apply for the Public Information Officer - 48752 role at University of California, Merced. For example, you can post videos, use social networking sites, and/or create a blog. Demonstrate that you are in the knowB. Under the ICS, the PIO works for: A. 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. Is there any restriction on the information to be released? The first step in developing a public awareness campaign is to research issues to identify relevant topics for your campaign. On average, between 30 and 80 Arizona residents die from heat related illnesses every summer. Describe how to manage the news media at the scene of an incident. What will you change in future campaigns? They can be timelesslike encouraging children to be active. It also helps identify the target audience for a particular public awareness campaign. Within minutes pictures, videos, and messages about the destruction are available on social media sites, Web sites, and throughout the news media. Email is also an ideal tool for communicating within your organization because you generally have access to your colleagues email addresses. Its community preparedness. 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. Tammy Kikuchi: The response was overwhelming. 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. Communicates with internal and external stakeholders. (Unit 4), Apply public information techniques to a 5% scenario. 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. Evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign. B. The Governor is continuing to monitor the situation. . The message should be: How will you get the message to your audience? Leaves the decision as to who will be in the pool to the media. Measurement is how you evaluate success, but make sure your numbers reflect significant achievement. Grab the attention of your readers so that they will continue reading. Mayor Holden: Sometimes you have to get your story out very quickly. hb```"g@($CC4i9"Mp1:u3;;:*&d@|Hh 9C$,;30K2=e$b00 D! Develops a strategy or plan for handling the incident, monitors it in process, and adjusts the plan as needed. As exemplified in the Pew Research study, people are getting information from sources other than traditional media. 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. (Unit 3), Recall preparation techniques that contribute to a successful media interview. The JIS is a system that ensures coordination and integration of information across jurisdictions, organizations, and agencies during an incident. AZ Department of Health Services Directors Blog. 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. 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. Sometimes logging in for a session is recommended, to create a wiki-signature cookie for signing edits automatically. 140-character stand-alone micro-blog statements. PIOs get their message out by communicating directly with the public, working through the traditional news media and through new media. Simplify complex ideas by using short sentences. It will keep you focused and is the foundation for evaluating your campaigns success. 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. Although its meaning has changed slightly over the years, it refers to a human corpse mysteriously reanimated to serve the undead. 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. 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. B. One PIO talking by phone to an on-scene PIO to confirm the number of responders at the scene prior to an initial news release. Many times the site of a crisis or disaster may be considered a crime scene and needs to be processed by forensic units. This process includes: Your goal statement expresses what you hope to achieve through your campaign. 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. Campaigns are usually multifaceted, combining events and various media to get the message out. This feature can facilitate abuse of the system. Creates a positive impression of your organization. .. 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. 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. Illustrate the multiple roles of the Public Information Officer and the media in planning for and responding to an emergency. 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. report to the Finance/Admin Section Chief when arriving at an incident. The process for ensuring that a public information message was accurately conveyed is typically called: A. School, 43 Margaret St. . Social Marketing A. theory is an important component of the strategic communications planning process. B. requires in-depth focus groups to focus the message. 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. An important part of the PIOs relationship with the media is knowing what they want. Remember to treat amateur journalists the same as you would any other journalistwith courtesy and respect. The Mayors Office developed an outreach campaign known as Red Stick Ready. 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. With the advent of social media, another type of news release you may want to use is the Social Media Release (SMR). Holding the session indoors, if possible. 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. It can be taken alone or before Basic Public Information Officer Training (G290). Are there warnings or other critical messages to be communicated to the public? 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. Lets review the different types of communication tools in more detail, starting with print media. Members of the media do not want to interfere with these tasks, but if they can get close enough to observe and/or photograph they will be happy. The PIOs primary responsibility to organizational leadership as an advisor is to: A. They heighten awareness of community hazards and encourage the public to take steps to become more prepared. Describe the role and function of the PIO. View IS-29.a - Public Information Officer Awareness | FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI).pdf from CIS 20 at SUNY Empire State College. If you do not want something recorded by the media, cover it up or shield it with a vehicle. (Unit 4), Given a scenario, apply the 8-Step Model to a public awareness campaign. 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: When creating your media list: Media information is constantly changing; make sure you have a process to keep your media list up-to-date. The Public Information Officer may also perform a key public information-monitoring role. 0 News releases should adhere to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. Example: Press Release Using Inverted Pyramid Format. Demonstrating an understanding of media needs and operations. 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. 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 role of the PIO is the same regardless of the type or size of the event. 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. Increased information needs can be handled. 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? When considering whether a goal is attainable, ask yourself: Do I have the skills and resourcesor can I get themto achieve this goal? The test questions are scrambled to protect the integrity of the exam. Additionally, it can provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. Emergency Manager jobs 33,535 open jobs Some examples include traditional media using: An important step when communicating is to continually evaluate and adjust your message by monitoring the media. Avoid visuals C. Chunk content to make it more scannable D. Maximize search results by using acronyms, 6. 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.