As part of our ongoing efforts to help enhance the skills of the PIO across the country, here’s another #MediaMinutes interview w/ RTV6 Paris Lewbel!
For more information on Paris-
@Twitter: https://twitter.com/PLewbel
@Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plewbel/
@Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paris.lewbel
Happy Monday everyone!
As part of our ongoing efforts to help enhance the skills of the PIO, here’s another #MediaMinutes interview w/ RTV6 Paris Lewbel.
For more information on Paris:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/plewbel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plewbel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plewbel/
Almost Friday folks….you can do it!
As part of our ongoing efforts to help enhance the skills of the PIO, here’s another #MediaMinutes interview w/ WISHTV-8 Emily Kinzer!
For more information on Emily-
@Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmilyKinzer8
@Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykinzer8/
@Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EKinzerReports
Happy AlohaFriday everyone!
Day-3 of the Joint Information Center/Joint Information System course here at the Indianapolis Fire Headquarters.
This place is super nice…
…and a bonus welcome by the Chief of the department – Fire Chief Malone!
Outstanding to see that kind of engagement of a large metro fire department stop by to say hi. And of course the IFD PIO BC Rita Reith working the PIO magic too!
Great discussion on when situations get worse…ie disaster declarations and how as situations start to grow, how we as a nation respond to help assist others.
You know we had lots of discussion on JIC/JIS operations and needs.
Also discussed how the executive policy room could affect actions of the field PIOs as well as the JIC – which stresses the need for solid, one voice communications from the Emergency Operations Center.
I know, I know, coordination again huh? But it’s the truth! If we don’t work together, we will likely fail our constituents. We must work together to support our ongoing efforts of safety with all our partners.
Great dialog on mutual aid partnerships. Regardless of the situation, we can all work closely with each other and share ideas.
Me? I am very proud of the work from everyone in the class this week.
Looking forward to working with all of you during the next big one.
Until then, go forth and tweet good stuff!
Day-1 of the FEMA Basic PIO course here in Indianapolis!
Glad to be teaching with FEMA Master PIO Erica Creech…
…and WTFD Capt Mike Pruitt…
…and oh a quick surprise….FEMA Master PIO Rita Reith!
That’s right, for those of you keeping score, this is the first time 3 FEMA Master PIOs have taught the Basic PIO Course. Whoop whooop!
Don’t worry, we did some on camera interviews as well as some fun dialog with out class that hail from Indiana and Kentucky!
We talked about press conferences and the importance and the need for onscene communications not only with the news media, but also the general public. Like the breaking news coming out of Mercy Hospital in Chicago.
Also sharing some stories of breaking news in Cleveland.
Great dynamic and solid discussion from everyone who attended today’s first day of FEMA Basic PIO!
| 14-002: Precise Emergency Messaging | |
| Agency: Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Topic(s): Emergency Messaging |
| Date: Summer 2014 | Platform: General |
Mass notification and public messaging about dangerous inbound weather is the latest hot button topic in emergency management because no matter the location, everyone is susceptible. This year has been especially deadly with numerous tornadoes.
You can argue the use of automatic Emergency Alert System (EAS), Integrated Public Alert & Warning System’s (iPAWS) messages, and public address systems are good enough, but successful delivery still comes down to basic messaging.
On May 25, 2014, this message was put up on the main billboard on the field during the Indianapolis 500, which had 300,000+ fans during race time. The National Weather Service (NWS) declared a Tornado Warning before the start of the race.
Race Fans? C’mon, you have a captive audience at the motor speedway. And you are addressing everyone there, not just race fans. Most likely, your audience is saying “Great, now what is a Tornado Warning?”
Clear and concise messaging is incredibly important because seconds will matter in an immediate evacuation or leading others to shelter…especially with large, open, and unprotected public venues. This particular message was unclear, poorly worded, and definitely not concise.
A more effective messaging and follow-up post should have read:
DANGER! TORNADO WARNING NOW – SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!
Safe SHELTERS are located at AREA X and GATE X
By phrasing it this way:
1. Your message is short, sweet, and to the point.
2. Capital letters will grab the attention of your audience and convey urgency.
3. Have clearly identified safe locations IN CAPITAL LETTERS will assist those reading your message.
4. Shorter messaging could allow your followers to retweet/repost and amplify your emergency messaging.
5. It is still tornado season so make sure you are prepared by having pre-scripted messages on “what is a tornado warning” and messaging on how to “shelter-in-place”.
All concurrent Tweets, Facebook posts, Instagram posts, etc. should reflect this messaging. If a Tornado warning is issued, timing is of the essence. Do not be lax when it comes to emergency messaging because you don’t want to ruin the fun. For the sake of your constituents, it is better to error on the side of safety.
Time is valuable, so post good stuff.
***To download this as a single-page printable format, click this: Safety-PIO-SM-14-001
Where is @rusnivek? 