the role of the public information officer fema

Making sure community members understand the events that unfold during severe weather, pandemics, and non-emergency scenarios . 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. Knowing how to effectively speak to media representatives using both verbal and nonverbal communication. PDF Public Information Officer - FEMA Identify the purpose of what you are writing and start with the main message. 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. 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. Uses information from other members of the local unit to develop accurate, accessible, and complete information on an Grab the attention of your readers so that they will continue reading. In their zeal to get the story reporters may not always recognize the potential for danger to themselves. Imagine your living room exploding in flames and your family cut off from the only door down the stairs from your second-floor condominium. 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: For example: Active voice is clear, direct, and concise. nEAH {27(L( o 5UR\sR%or=uG5($#MJ (2*8T-\< The course culminates with a practical exercise designed to plan, develop, integrate, and disseminate public information for an emergency, incident, or disaster as part of a Joint Information Center. Other data requires that you reach out to the target audiencefor example, to conduct focus group sessions or implement random telephone, email, or print surveys. People use technology to tell others that they are okay. This physical site is called the Joint Information Center (JIC), and is the location where: Narrator: When the State of Utah began to accept evacuees from the Gulf States as a result of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, they implemented a Joint Information Center. Selects the right tools for the messages. Are there cultural differences to take into consideration? *F ;/7Bw1p i~$^y' _r] 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. All of the above, 23. 18. 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. List the skills needed to be an effective PIO. Use the media area for all media releases and conferences. When preparing written products, it is important that your message is understood. Many different social media monitoring tools are available. 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. The first step in developing a public awareness campaign is to research issues to identify relevant topics for your campaign. A defining characteristic of wiki technology is the ease with which pages can be created and updated. Even the best writer can make mistakes, particularly when under pressure or in a time crunch. The media will want to get as close as possible to get pictures/audio/interviews. The role of the pubic information officer. Describe the target audiences for the PIO. Lets look at some general descriptions of social media available: Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. The most important point is is an example of a transition phrase or: A. Establishing relationships with news media representatives by being accessible and prepared. Generally, there is no review before modifications are accepted. %%EOF A PIOs proactive approach to public information enhances credibility in messaging. 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 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. The most popular social networking sites have groups, which offer chat boards for members. Questions to answer when evaluating a public awareness campaign include the following: You can collect data about your campaign in different ways. The Sonoran Desert will be among the hottest places on the globe for the next 4 months. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is:A. The test questions are scrambled to protect the integrity of the exam. First name. Participants will benefit from participating in entry-level incident command system training prior to taking this course. Public information entails the processes and systems that enable effective communications with various target audiences. 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. Because its money well spent in the end and if your PIOs can learn from other areas of the Nation that are doing things well, send them there, let them learn from the people who have done it before, so that when they come back they can build a system that works for you. The public information officer (PIO) reports to the incident commander, who in turn reports to the agency or jurisdictions responsible. Did the message reach the targeted audience? 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. 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. [25 Test Answers] FEMA IS-29A: Public Information Officer Awareness Click on a program for additional information. 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. Although its meaning has changed slightly over the years, it refers to a human corpse mysteriously reanimated to serve the undead. Expert Help. Within minutes pictures, videos, and messages about the destruction are available on social media sites, Web sites, and throughout the news media. Transparency in government promotes efficiency and effectiveness and allows the people in your community to understand and participate in your processes. 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. Serves in an ICS role 2. B. is to wait for direction from the incident commander. C. includes reporting to the Operations Section Chief during an incident response. The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. People have a right and a need to know about the risks they face. Avoid getting involved in these media disputes. 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.). Policies for evolving media (e.g., who can post, what can be posted, how to respond to negative comments, etc.). 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). 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. endstream endobj startxref Uses correct grammar and contains no spelling or punctuation errors. D. Identify opportunities for public awareness campaigns. Describe the role of the Public Information Officer (PIO) in an emergency. Develop and implement your campaign by setting a goal, creating a message, choosing your medium, and identifying timing. The news release should use the inverted pyramid as illustrated below. Take a zombie apocalypse for example. Themes weaved throughout the series include the 95/5 concept and an emphasis on whole community strategic communication planning. In the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, the Public Information Officer (PIO): A. (Unit 2), Describe the types of written products used in public information activities. Test the message on a safe audience B. 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. This course should take approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes to complete. The role of the PIO is the same regardless of the type or size of the event. 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.. if you do not have a sid, Test questions are scrambled to protect test integrity. Increased information needs can be handled. . 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. Identify all the news media covering the area. Guidance on COVID protections for EMI students, and the CDC Coronavirus page for the latest updates on the pandemic response. What are priorities within your organization? hb```"g@($CC4i9"Mp1:u3;;:*&d@|Hh 9C$,;30K2=e$b00 D! He and his wife threw open their window and helped their kids drop to waiting neighbors gathered below. Select the right media to reach the target audience. EMI is introducing a limited number of IS courses that have been translated to the Spanish language. Describe how to develop and execute a public awareness campaign. An important part of your role as a PIO is to communicate with your community before something happens. The highest-ranking State official C. His/her regular boss D. The Operations Section Chief, 13. ., Example 2:There is more severe weather on the way as a large storm cell is moving across Livingston Parish into EBR. 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. Determines what the public needs to know. Switchboard: (301) 447-1000 Speak to several members of the media at one time, especially during an incident. FEMA does not endorse any non-government Web sites, companies or applications. D. is only useful on television infomercials. 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.. Cell phone(s) with email capability or satellite phone(s), Flash drives and CDs* containing the elements of the crisis communication plan (including news media contact lists, PIO team contact lists, information materials, etc. Speculation C. Summarizing D. Bridging, 12. C. Monitors costs related to the incident, and provides . B. An important part of the PIOs relationship with the media is knowing what they want. The Governor repeated his request that everyone use caution and heed warning messages on TV and radio, or in their newspapers. Avoid visuals C. Chunk content to make it more scannable D. Maximize search results by using acronyms, 6. A social networking site is a great tool for: Now you know about the many tools available to get your message out. This is a release that you post online. Through ancient voodoo and folk-lore traditions, shows like theWalking Deadwere born. NIMS Description of the PIOs Responsibilities. FEMA-NIMS@fema.dhs.gov NIMS Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers 2 II. Avoid fillers (um, er, uh); dont be afraid to pause while formulating an answer. Announce events of interest to your community or share information about an incident. Check with them to see if the location selected for a media area will allow them to accomplish this connection. Dont date your materials by using the year or referring to news events that will become out-of-date quickly. Add to the measurable statistics C. Enlist support and involvement of organization personnel while communicating a consistent message D. Demonstrate commitment to the organization, 16. 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. Radio is a form of broadcast technology that has the following needs, advantages, and limitations. 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. Describe how to manage the news media at the scene of an incident. This awareness-level training is suitable for new PIOs. There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. The training courses listed below include those delivered at the state, local, tribal, and territorial level as well as higher-level training managed by EMIs subject matter expert training teams. Walter Monsour: So, the message was managed extremely well. How to Remember Better: A Study Tip for Your Next Major Exam, (13 Tips From Repeaters) How to Pass the LET the First Time, [5 Proven Tactics & Bonus] How to pass the Neuro-Psychiatric Exam, 5 Research-Based Techniques to Pass Your Next Major Exam, 2023 Civil Service Exam (CSE) Reviewer: A Resource Page, [Free PDF] 2023 LET Reviewer: The Ultimate Resource Page, [52 Test Answers] FEMA IS-251A: IPAWS for Alerting Administrators, [26 Test Answers] FEMA IS-284A: Using the Substantial Damage Estimator 3.0 Tool, [32 Test Answers] FEMA IS-1120: Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs), [23 Test Answers] FEMA IS-101C: Preparing for Federal Disaster Operations: FEMA. (For example: The suspicious package was the size of a laptop computer. The activities a PIO chooses in non-emergency times (95%) has a significant impact on how successful he or she will be in the 5% spent in emergency response and recovery. Public Information Officers | Indian Affairs - Native Americans in the Sit on your coat tail to keep your jacket from riding up. Print medianewspapers and magazinesare the first type of mass media developed. 1928 0 obj <> endobj Serves as a press secretary for the Agency Executive or Senior Official during the incident. Provide information and updates in a timely manner. When a newsworthy incident occurs, the media will be there, whether youve invited them or not! Many edits, however, can be made in real-time and appear almost instantly online. Do not be afraid to put bad news first if that is the message. Brian Hyer: We had all kinds of questions. +O,))8+l"O{i9"5QKh^R7YH'gI@P+,,#+pbH,ZJt-9#)*~{"Dxu Use natural gestures, but dont cross your arms, raise your eyebrows, shrug your shoulders, sway, or bounce. The Incident Commander B. It also helps identify the target audience for a particular public awareness campaign. Emergency Management Institute This lesson introduces you to some emergency management principles contained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Joanne H. Moreau: We focus a lot on making sure that we have a very accurate and timely information process of information dissemination. Verdi White: And I believe that that has helped in our relationship with the media. 0. Managing Public Information for All Hazards Incidents This lesson covered the knowledge and skills you need to effectively manage emergency public information during an incident: The next lesson summarizes your role as a PIO and how to use all the tools available to you to help your community be prepared and to share critical information when an incident happens. D. The ninety-five (95%) segment of the 95/5 concept, 5. Are there warnings or other critical messages to be communicated to the public? Additionally, students conduct various public information activities and exercises, to include writing messages and conducting press conferences. What is the community sentiment toward your organization or the issue? Many wikis are open to alteration by the general public without requiring them to register user accounts. In this lesson youll learn more about creating public awareness campaigns. Blogs are Web sites that allow you to engage in a conversation with readers. Some tips for speaking publicly and improving your responses (or assisting and preparing a speaker) are: When distributing written products or speaking to the media, you will often need to work with a person to get your information out. 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. The following table shows what you need to provide for a television story, the advantages of television, and its limitations. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. Youll be quite surprised at how the elected official mouse makes all the difference with the children. Overview: The FEMA IS-29.A course was published on 8/5/2019 to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. Spelling- and grammar-checking tools (printed and computer software). Join to apply for the Public Information Officer - 48752 role at University of California, Merced. 494 0 obj <> endobj C. Evaluation is crucial for judging the effectiveness of a public awareness campaign. Understand the National Incident Management System, Incident Command System and their correlation with the emergency response system. PIOs shouldA. compile a go kit to allow for lengthy deployments to a long-term incident. Campaigns are usually multifaceted, combining events and various media to get the message out. More than 70% of the illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths are guys. Next you need to identifyhowyou will communicate. As a PIO, you need to: In the next lesson you will learn about various tools available to you for communicating with the community. 1955 0 obj <>stream As with ICS, the JIS is as simple or complex as the needs of the situation. Last name. Score .9906. Lieutenant Doug McCleve: The feedback that Im getting, at least from my local news media, is that theyve been very pleased with the access theyve had. They also tell people how they can prepare for a disaster, and protect themselves when disaster strikes. 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. NIMS describes the use of the Joint Information System (JIS) to complete the critical tasks of information sharing and coordination. IS 29.A Public Information Officer Exam Questions | FEMACourses Successful blogs are compelling and current, and encourage interaction with readers. This training focuses on both parts of the equation. FEMA IS-29: Public Information Officer Awareness Answers. Mayor Holden: Sometimes you have to get your story out very quickly. 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. 20. 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.)? . Develop and pre-test materials C. Develop an action planD. Identify how messages should be conveyed. Is there any restriction on the information to be released? Make it less likely that your release will be cut C. Impress people in the target audience D. Be a barrier to communication, 22. (Unit 4), Given a scenario, apply the 8-Step Model to a public awareness campaign. Poor grammar and misspelled words can confuse the audience and hurt your credibility, but the most important goal is to communicate. Make sure the media area is far enough away and/or your workspaces are shielded from prying cameras, microphones, and eyes. Is the conduit for information to internal and external stakeholders. Its not complicated; its very easy for them, which makes for better reporting. 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. Describe the role and function of the Public Information Officer (PIO). Describe how to effectively communicate orally and through written products. Simplify complex ideas by using short sentences. Wear your uniform or neat, conservative attire if not in uniform. Determine information to be communicated to the public. Please note that the is program now requires a fema sid to be used instead of your ssn. Refer to the list below. Holding the session indoors, if possible. It was absolutely the very best thing we could have done. For some incidents, implementing a media area may be an important way to manage the situation. As a PIO, you will likely communicate public information and emergency public information as well as conduct community education. A good overview of ICS is provided in the independent study . The process for ensuring that a public information message was accurately conveyed is typically called: A. . This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. 19. Set up interviews and write talking points C. Be an intermediary between leadership and the news media D. Assess situations for public information implications, 14. Governor James Smith today declared a state of emergency in the Great A&P fire that is rapidly spreading west. 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. ), Manuals and background information necessary to provide needed information to the public and media, Topic-specific fact sheets, backgrounders, talking points, and news release templates (hard copy and electronic), Business cards with 24/7 contact information, Funding mechanism (i.e., credit card, etc.) (A media pool refers to a group of news-gathering organizations pooling their resources in the collection of news.) 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 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. Select it carefully and choose your background wisely. You cantand dont expect them to stay there all of the time. . The participant will benefit from participating in entry-level incident command system training prior to taking this course. endstream endobj 495 0 obj <. It provides a framework for people from multiple agencies to work well together B. Please review the IS FAQ's for more information. Public information can help people make the right decision at the right time. Illustrate the multiple roles of the Public Information Officer and the media in planning for and responding to an emergency. Information developed and disseminated in anticipation of, during, or after an emergency to provide specific life- and health-saving information C. Issuing a news release on a seatbelt law (public information); announcing a road closure due to a multiple-car accident (emergency public information) D. Information collected, assembled or maintained by an organization in connection with the transaction of official business and available for dissemination to the public, 2. 1. 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. The good news is that preventing heat related illness is easy to do if you just use common sense. Example: Press Release Using Inverted Pyramid Format. If you need to build an email list, consider including a place for people to sign up on your Web site. News releases should adhere to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. 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. Well, were here to answer that question for you, and hopefully share a few tips about preparing forrealemergencies too! C. result in the need to conduct follow-up interviews. D. enhance agency credibility. Possess and enhance certain qualities and skills that make an effective PIO. 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. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. FEMA IS-29: Public Information Officer Awareness Answers Public Information Officer (PIO) - Emergency Management Institute (Unit 1), Describe the role and functions of the PIO. If a media pool is not an option, consider providing professional-quality images to the media in the form of video and stills. You cant manage who shows up but you can and should manage contact with the site. Do they have special communication needs (e.g., visual or hearing impairments, or limited English proficiency)? This fundamental principle is the basis for public information in emergency management in this country. B. Resource Typing Definition for Response . A. 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. 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. The word zombie comes from Haitian and New Orleans voodoo origins. In other words, express parallel ideas in parallel grammatical forms. Recall preparation techniques that contribute to a successful media interview. Smith activated the State Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates State firefighting efforts in these situations. For example, you can post videos, use social networking sites, and/or create a blog. User: The Public Information Officer: A. Interfaces with the public and media and/or with other agencies regarding incident-related information requirements. 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. Many times the site of a crisis or disaster may be considered a crime scene and needs to be processed by forensic units. The heat on the desert floor isnt just a nuisance, its expensive & lethal. 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. Select this link to access a printable . Sound bite B. Manages resources including supplies, personnel, and equipment. The benefits of social media include the following capabilities: New social media tools are being developed and implemented all the time. 'Ss S>*2MbX^f 3 Step Guide for Assistance, 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, IS-29 Public Information Officer Awareness, E/L0388 Advanced Public Information Officer, Master Public Information Officer Program, Special collection: Emergency Management Institute student papers, E/K0389 - Master Public Information Officer Implementing Communications Strategies for Whole Community Leadership, E/K0393 Master Public Information Officer Applying Advanced Concepts in Public Information and Communications, E0394 Master Public Information Officer Mastering Public Advocacy Plans to Create an Effective Community of Stakeholders.

the role of the public information officer fema 2023