Public Information 101

Lesson Overview

Emergency preparedness is a critical function for Public Information Officers (PIOs). Effective planning can make the difference between chaos and a well-coordinated response. This lesson focuses on proactive strategies to ensure clear, consistent, and timely communication before, during, and after a crisis.

What You’ll Learn

• The importance of anticipating potential emergencies and developing response plans

• How to create pre-approved messaging for different platforms, including social media, press releases, and radio

• The role of an online FAQ and media library in reducing media inquiries during crises

• Best practices for continuity planning, ensuring key information is accessible even when key personnel are unavailable

• How to prepare voicemail messages that direct inquiries to online resources during peak emergency periods

• The importance of post-incident debriefs to refine emergency response plans for future situations

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a structured approach to emergency preparedness, equipping you with the tools to manage crisis communications effectively and ensure a swift, coordinated response.

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