Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
and what the prevailing local values, concerns, and interests are. The PIO
must also know about organizations within the community and how they
work and interact.
◾
The PIO needs to have good media relations skills. This includes a level of
credibility that is usually only developed over time and through hard work.
It is also important for the PIO to have several sets of skills, including
◾
Writing abilities—organizes clear thoughts in a written format (whether elec-
tronic or printed). This includes the ability to develop talking points, guid-
ance, strategy papers, speeches, and general information for management.
It is especially important that proper grammar and spelling be utilized in
these pieces. This should probably include familiarity with Associated Press
Stylebook (http://www.apstylebook.com). Generally, the PIO needs to be
able to produce quality documents, whether electronic or paper.
◾
Other abilities—the PIO should be able to understand the basics of using
video as a means of communication. This would include knowledge of the
basic elements of photography. In addition, the PIO should be able to clearly
communicate and outline ideas in a manner allowing the PIO or other
spokesperson to communicate effectively with an audience; the ability to
speak effectively and persuasively in front of an audience; and, an awareness
of the impact of nonverbal behavioral clusters on the delivery of a message.
The Joint Information System/Joint Information Center
As you have read previously, the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
was developed at the direction of Homeland Security Presidential Decision
Directive (HSPD)-5. The original NIMS document was developed in 2004,
updated in 2006, and updated again in 2008 (FEMA 2008). Public information,
and the process of establishing the system to collect, integrate, and coordinate it, is
defined as a part of NIMS Component IV—Command and Management (FEMA
2008, pp. 70-74). The overall system is called the JIS, and the specific place where
this process happens is called the JIC.
Typically, this process involved a PIO, who supports the incident command
structure, and who is also a member of the Command staff. The responsibilities of
this position typically include
◾
Responding to inquiries from the media, public, and elected officials
◾
Supervising the process of collecting, integrating, and coordinating informa-
tion for emergency public information
◾
Supervising the process of collecting, integrating, and coordinating informa-
tion for warning information
