Kicking off another solid FEMA / Ohio EMA Basic Public Information Officer’s course.

We have participants from across the state of Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia!

So Region-5 and Region-3 are well represented.

Proud to have a diverse class this week in Athens County, Ohio.

Lots of class engagement with several opening activities assessing preparedness levels as well as gaps in PIO responses.

Addressing difficult situations (aka anticipating media questions) with PIOs or agency heads before they happen is a critical skill that every PIO should master.

Deep discussion on how all-hazards PIOs could support various operations with public safety. Also dissecting how Strategic Communications play a crucial role in planning.

#StratComms4Lyfe
On camera mock media interviews in the afternoon with focus on answering questions, talking points, redirects, and of course preparedness. Great time to hone the skills of every PIO and agency head.

Show and tell on preparedness kits and PIO go readiness kits.

PC: E. Creech
Including my famous “PIO stick”

PC: J. Beckett
Looking forward to day-2!