Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
attitudes, or create a positive view of our agency or EOC within the community.
Some examples of public information could include
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The current status of the emergency or disaster
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Agency response actions to the disaster
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Information or warnings as conditions change
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Important locations (i.e., where food, water, and shelters are located)
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Specific evacuation information or directions
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Other pertinent information:
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What is open or closed
• Government facilities
• Stores
• Roads
• Schools
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Status of lifeline systems—electricity, gas, water, and sewer
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Volunteer recruitment
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Where people can find aid or assistance
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Public inquiry telephone numbers
In order to perform the job of PIO well, the person in that position needs to
have a number of qualities. Some of those qualities include
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Knowledge of the organization they represent. This allows them to speak with
credibility about the operations of the organization. It demonstrates to the media
and the public that the PIO has access to agency leadership. It also provides the
media with opportunities for interviews and briefings about the agency.
◾
A good working relationship with the organization or EOC. This is a nec-
essary quality for the PIO to have access to the information and resources
everywhere within the agency or EOC they are representing.
◾
A certain amount of aggressiveness. The PIO may need to be able to go
directly into the organization and get to decision makers and leaders with
minimal delays. In addition, the PIO will undoubtedly be called upon to
provide advice to leadership—making it necessary for the PIO to be in the
inner circle of the organization or EOC.
◾
A high level of trust and ability to strategize. The PIO needs to be able to
establish trust within the organization or EOC. Essentially, the PIO becomes
an advisor that understands how things will be viewed outside of the agency
or EOC, and understand the implications of information to which the public
will have access. It will be important to understand what the potential nega-
tive consequences of these issues are and how to present them, truthfully, in
as positive a light as possible.
◾
Community relations skills are necessary for the PIO. The PIO needs to
understand the demographics of the jurisdiction—who lives and works there
