the role of the public information officer fema

Describe how to have a successful relationship with the news media. Public information entails the processes and systems that enable effective communications with various target audiences. Participants will benefit from participating in entry-level incident command system training prior to taking this course. Many different social media monitoring tools are available. C. Monitors costs related to the incident, and provides . What will you change in future campaigns? Additionally, students conduct various public information activities and exercises, to include writing messages and conducting press conferences. Themes weaved throughout the series include the 95/5 concept and an emphasis on whole community strategic communication planning. This lesson presents information on tools you can use in support of your role as a Public Information Officer (PIO). Under the ICS, the PIO works for: A. If a media pool is not an option, consider providing professional-quality images to the media in the form of video and stills. 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. Email is also an ideal tool for communicating within your organization because you generally have access to your colleagues email addresses. Gather, verify, coordinate, and disseminate public information in an emergency from a Joint Information Center. Some examples include traditional media using: An important step when communicating is to continually evaluate and adjust your message by monitoring the media. FEMA does not endorse any non-government Web sites, companies or applications. B. cause the intended audience to act on requests in the message. For different audiences, you may need to write different products. 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). %PDF-1.6 % Generally, there is no review before modifications are accepted. Mayor Holden: We have what they call Mayor Mouse, and Mayor Mouse basically is operated to go to various schools. DECEMBER 2020 INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 1 OF 5 FEMA-509-v20170717 . Each time this test is loaded, you will receive a unique set of questions and answers. 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. Holding the session indoors, if possible. This lesson focused on how to communicate effectively, which involves: In the next lesson you will learn how to use your tools and skills to communicate information about being prepared to your community. Do they have special communication needs (e.g., visual or hearing impairments, or limited English proficiency)? When an emergency happens, ICS is implemented. In such a scenario zombies would take over entire countries, roaming city streets eating anything living that got in their way. This awareness-level training is suitable for new PIOs. Distribute family emergency preparedness kits through community elementary schools is both clearer and more meaningful. Another way to express your key message B. if you do not have a sid, Test questions are scrambled to protect test integrity. 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: In their zeal to get the story reporters may not always recognize the potential for danger to themselves. The PIOs primary responsibility to organizational leadership as an advisor is to: A. Public information can help people make the right decision at the right time. B. The highest-ranking State official C. His/her regular boss D. The Operations Section Chief, 13. B. report to the Finance/Admin Section Chief when arriving at an incident. ICS is used to manage an emergency incident (like a wildland fire, search and rescue, hurricane, etc.) FEMA IS 29.A Answers - Public Information Officer - FEMACourses Are there warnings or other critical messages to be communicated to the public? 'Ss S>*2MbX^f C. 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. What is happening in other areas? Select the correct definition Emergency 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. Uses correct grammar and contains no spelling or punctuation errors. The good news is that preventing heat related illness is easy to do if you just use common sense. The Governor declared the emergency following a similar declaration by Liberty County. Blogs to cover events as they are happening. Creates a positive impression of your organization. 0. 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. They knew that they werent being led down another road, that they were hearing things unfiltered. Well, were here to answer that question for you, and hopefully share a few tips about preparing forrealemergencies too! Select the correct definition External Affairs 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. Please review the IS FAQ's for more information. You cant manage who shows up but you can and should manage contact with the site. With passive voice, the subject is thereceiverof the action. Do you follow through? All goals should have a target date for completion. All social networking sites allow users to find people they know among the members, or look for other members with similar interests or affiliations. An important part of your role as a PIO is to communicate with your community before something happens. When a newsworthy incident occurs, the media will be there, whether youve invited them or not! A. 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. NIMS describes the use of the Joint Information System (JIS) to complete the critical tasks of information sharing and coordination. 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. Demonstrate that you are in the knowB. Spelling- and grammar-checking tools (printed and computer software). A media pool: Note: Media pools can cause disagreements among the media. Score .9906. Functions of the Public Information Officer - emilms.fema.gov Treat all media fairlydo not play favorites with reporters. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. ), 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.) Office: (301) 447-1200 Fax: (301) 447-1201, (800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-7585 Always connect with the Incident Commander before making any statement to the media. When considering whether a goal is attainable, ask yourself: Do I have the skills and resourcesor can I get themto achieve this goal? C. will transfer to a planning position if no media covers an incident. 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. Email can be used to get people: In order for email to work, you need to have a good email distribution list. 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. 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. for the incident. 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.. Check Web sites and social media sites, read newspapers, watch TV, and listen to radio to know how your message is getting out. endstream endobj 495 0 obj <. 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. Recall preparation techniques that contribute to a successful media interview. Describe the role of the PIO in an emergency. 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. Imagine your living room exploding in flames and your family cut off from the only door down the stairs from your second-floor condominium. Within minutes pictures, videos, and messages about the destruction are available on social media sites, Web sites, and throughout the news media. Communicating factual information with the public is the most important job function of a PIO. Identify how messages should be conveyed. 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. 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. B. describes a writing technique applied to social media content. Campaign topics can range from recruiting volunteers to fire safety. Blogs are Web sites that allow you to engage in a conversation with readers. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. What is the Role of a Public Information Officer (PIO)? All of the above, 23. News releases should adhere to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. Write out the full term on first usage, as appropriate. 20. This training focuses on both parts of the equation. Many Web sites include a blog as part of the site. what is role of public information officer in fema? Governor James Smith today declared a state of emergency in the Great A&P fire that is rapidly spreading west. I know our superb team of firefighters will do all they can, but the conditions on the railroad are particularly difficult, Smith said. Operates with the understanding that any video, audio, or interviews acquired will be shared with the rest of the media. Determines what the public needs to know. Smith activated the State Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates State firefighting efforts in these situations. If you do not want something recorded by the media, cover it up or shield it with a vehicle. 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. Contact local, tribal, territorial, and State press associations to obtain media lists. 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). A campaign on hurricane awareness wont get much play in December. 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. For example, change the location or angle of the lectern so cameras dont capture an unwanted view. 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. Grab the attention of your readers so that they will continue reading. Better yet is the number of people who call and request preparedness kits! The heat on the desert floor isnt just a nuisance, its expensive & lethal. The Governor repeated his request that everyone use caution and heed warning messages on TV and radio, or in their newspapers. !]U9[MZ\waQ>yICK{",|.NH&ec* 'C/M;WrQJ6bs\ 886} The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is:A. 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). Quantify results when evaluating public information efforts. 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). There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. When preparing written products, it is important that your message is understood. The news media and local government ask the community to send videos and photos via social media, email, and text messages. In a crisis, getting the right information to the right people at the right time is more important than catching a dangling participle! Increased information needs can be handled. More than 70% of the illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths are guys. 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. Now that you have some tips for better writing, lets look at how to write a news release. Time is a crucial element in any public awareness campaign. What do you want people to know or do after hearing your message? You need to write to your audience. (What will motivate them?). Having such knowledge enables them to make informed choices that affect their health and well-being. In Lesson 2 you learned about the many different media options you have, including: Select the right medium or right mix of media for a strategy to get your message to your target audience. The Sonoran Desert will be among the hottest places on the globe for the next 4 months. Describe the role and function of the PIO. D. The ninety-five (95%) segment of the 95/5 concept, 5. 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. Do you know what to do to protect yourself and your family? 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). wA{)K+Xk80538L``V[mvWS|?9U7 This lesson introduces you to some emergency management principles contained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). 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. Monitor to determine if the media coverage is: Whether or not your organization is using social media, you should still monitor it. Make it less likely that your release will be cut C. Impress people in the target audience D. Be a barrier to communication, 22. 1928 0 obj <> endobj 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 Governors declaration allows the use of State resources in paying the costs of fighting the fire. In all cases, the campaign will include a compelling message and a clear link to the organizations overall goals and priorities. News releases are one of the most commonly used tools for PIOs. For example, you can post videos, use social networking sites, and/or create a blog. This feature can facilitate abuse of the system. IS-0029.a Public Information Officer Awareness The Incident Commander B. B. is not bound by public record laws. A good overview of ICS is provided in the independent study . Tell the media representatives: Follow-through goes a long way to establishing good relations with the news media. Establish one that doesnt hinder operations but affords the media reasonable, legitimate access. How knowledgeable is the audience on this topic? Describe evolving media tools, including social media, for communication. News releases should provide accurate, factual information that is attributed to its source. Responsibilities of the Components of the ICS Organization. %%EOF Next you need to identifyhowyou will communicate. Verdi White: The two functions and people that I need to have with me when Im out here doing anything is I need to have a finance person and I need to have the Joint Information Center. The most important point is is an example of a transition phrase or: A. With the advent of social media, another type of news release you may want to use is the Social Media Release (SMR). Select this link to access a printable . One of the advantages of the Incident Command System (ICS) is: A. Proactivity occurs during A. When creating your media list: Media information is constantly changing; make sure you have a process to keep your media list up-to-date. As demonstrated by the examples, micro-blogging has become an important source of information in preparation of, during, and after crisis situations. He and his wife threw open their window and helped their kids drop to waiting neighbors gathered below. The public information officer (PIO) reports to the incident commander, who in turn reports to the agency or jurisdictions responsible. This lesson presents information on how to use your tools and relationships to communicate information to the community when something happens. The message should be: How will you get the message to your audience? 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. 3. 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. The role of the pubic information officer. 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. T;)D2Dt `NY"`~XH@P ` 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. The Incident Command System is a fundamental element of emergency management. In order to keep a consistent two-way flow of information with the media representatives at the scene, it is important to make it relatively easy to communicate with them face to face. The median, annual pay for public relations specialists, during the same period, was $52,090, with the top 10 . In movies, shows, and literature, zombies are often depicted as being created by an infectious virus, which is passed on via bites and contact with bodily fluids. Demonstrating an understanding of media needs and operations. Additionally, it can provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. 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. Joanne H. Moreau: Working with the children, and with such an emphasis on the children, we wanted a tool that could reach them. I would urge you to be careful whenever you travel, Smith said. Avoid getting involved in these media disputes. Emergency Management Institute B. Work to keep them out of danger as you would any member of the public. A well-executed interview will likely not A. advance leaderships goals. Campaigns are usually multifaceted, combining events and various media to get the message out. The news release should use the inverted pyramid as illustrated below. Please review the IS FAQ's for more information. 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. Organizing the information in a news release so that the important information comes first is called: A. AP style B. Inverted pyramid C. JIC style D. Journalistic style, 7. Avoid visuals C. Chunk content to make it more scannable D. Maximize search results by using acronyms, 6. D. is only useful on television infomercials. Resource Typing Definition for Response . This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. Its community preparedness. Describe the role and functions of the Public Information Officer (PIO) Describe the types of written products used in public information activities. Manages resources including supplies, personnel, and equipment. Effective public communication involves collecting, verifying, and disseminating information to your target audiences. nEAH {27(L( o 5UR\sR%or=uG5($#MJ (2*8T-\< Test the message on a safe audience B. PIOs need to have a thorough understanding of the communities they serve. Additionally, it can provide those in executive-level roles with the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency. NIMS Overview Communities across the nation experience a diverse range of threats, hazards, and events. 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. Develops a strategy or plan for handling the incident, monitors it in process, and adjusts the plan as needed. The subject is the. Avoid fillers (um, er, uh); dont be afraid to pause while formulating an answer. Last name. Although its meaning has changed slightly over the years, it refers to a human corpse mysteriously reanimated to serve the undead. Media pools are used to restrict access to an area due to space limitations or safety issues. People have a right and a need to know about the risks they face. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median, annual pay for public relations managers was $91,180 in May 2012, with the top 10 percent earning more than $166,000. 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.

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