Communicating Emergency Information To Local Citizens And First Responders

Communication During A Disaster  National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command SystemIncident Command System Public Information OfficerPublic Information Officer  Interoperable Communication to/from field

National Incident Management System (NIMS)  System that provides a consistent and standardized nationwide approach to disasters  For governments, business, and non- profits  Helps these groups prepare, respond, and recover from domestic incidents

NIMS, cont.  NIMS Components: Command & ManagementCommand & Management PreparednessPreparedness Resource ManagementResource Management Communication & Info ManagementCommunication & Info Management Supporting TechnologiesSupporting Technologies Ongoing Management & MaintenanceOngoing Management & Maintenance

National Incident Management System Component Command & Management Incident Command System (ICS) Multiagency Coordination Systems Public Information System (JIS & JIC)

Incident Command System (ICS)  ICS is managing an incident within a common organizational structure which integrates: FacilitiesFacilities EquipmentEquipment PersonnelPersonnel ProceduresProcedures CommunicationsCommunications

ICS Chart Flexible Scalable Incident Command System (ICS) Incident Commander

Public Information Officer (PIO)  Communicates with the media and the public  All information during an incident comes from one source (PIO or Chief Elected Official)  Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Emergency Operation Center (EOC)

Joint Information System (JIS)  Large incidents: Joint Information System (JIS)  JIS provides plans, protocols, and structure for information to the public

Joint Information Center (JIC)  JIC: Agencies PIO’s collocate to jointly perform crisis communication  Communicates coordinate message from all agencies involved  Incorporate requirements for special population messages  Message is shared through multiple mediums (TV, radio, paper, Emergency Alert System, Emergency Notification Systems)

Communicating Emergency Information to Citizens

Methods of Communicating to Citizens Non-interactive  Emergency Alert System (EAS)  Emergency Notification System/Reverse 911  Websites  Pamphlets and newsletters  Fire, Severe Weather, Winter Weather Awareness Weeks Campaigns  National Preparedness Month (Sept.)  Media Interactive  County and State Fairs  Emergency Preparedness Expo  Exercises (mock disaster drills)  CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)  Hotlines  Responders going door to door/using bullhorns

Emergency Notification System

Communicating Emergency Information to First Responders

First Responders  Build coordination and communication before a disaster! “ Wrong time to shake hands is after the tornado”  Utilize Committees/Groups amongst responding agencies

Coordination Groups  County agencies: Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and Emergency Operation Center (EOC)  Domestic Preparedness: Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS  Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster (VOAD): Red Cross, Amateur Radio, Nechama, and Humane Society

Coordination Groups, cont.  Emergency Preparedness Team: Public Health  Hospitals: Mass Casualties  Private Business: Hazardous Materials and Business Continuity planning  Radiological Emergency Preparedness: Disasters hitting nuclear power plants  Regional & State Emergency Management: Twin Cities and MN

Incident Command System (ICS)  ICS Chain of Command, information given/received and not lost ICS ChartChain of Command, information given/received and not lost ICS ChartICS ChartICS Chart Chiefs and Incident Commander are aware of activitiesChiefs and Incident Commander are aware of activities Standardized titlesStandardized titles Ability to share information between city, county, and state, and federal governmentsAbility to share information between city, county, and state, and federal governments

Interoperable Communications Interoperable Communications  Radio Ultra High/Very High Frequencies (UHF/VHF)Ultra High/Very High Frequencies (UHF/VHF) 800 Mega Hertz (MHz)800 Mega Hertz (MHz) Amateur RadioAmateur Radio  Wireless Communications Cell phonesCell phones InternetInternet Text MessagingText Messaging Virtual Emergency Operation Center (EOC)Virtual Emergency Operation Center (EOC)

Key Challenges  Citizens Following information provided during an emergency (take shelter, evacuate, boil water)Following information provided during an emergency (take shelter, evacuate, boil water) Assume “someone” will be there right after the incidentAssume “someone” will be there right after the incident Message is not applicable to them “Happens to someone else”Message is not applicable to them “Happens to someone else”  First Responders September 30, 2006 National Incident Management System Training RequirementSeptember 30, 2006 National Incident Management System Training Requirement Public Health – not a First Responder or do not understand their rolePublic Health – not a First Responder or do not understand their role Radio Frequencies – cost of 800 MHzRadio Frequencies – cost of 800 MHz Technology - time and $ for purchase/trainingTechnology - time and $ for purchase/training First Responders wear multiple hatsFirst Responders wear multiple hats

Lessons Learned  Citizens Emergency Alert System needs updatingEmergency Alert System needs updating Must use Emergency Notification System regularly (for staff and citizen benefit)Must use Emergency Notification System regularly (for staff and citizen benefit) Pre-education on local hazards & methods of communicationPre-education on local hazards & methods of communication Emergency Preparedness KitsEmergency Preparedness Kits  First Responders Training on NIMS – Louisiana After Action Report (AAR)Training on NIMS – Louisiana After Action Report (AAR) Role of the Public Information Officer & public perceptionsRole of the Public Information Officer & public perceptions Exercising – using the Incident Command System in various situationsExercising – using the Incident Command System in various situations

Questions?

Emergency Operation Center (EOC) PIO