Local elected and appointed officials play a key role in keeping citizens informed and building confidence in the community’s ability to recover and build back stronger. Work with incident command’s chief Public Information Officer (PIO) and use these tips to maximize the effectiveness of your messages to impacted residents. Communicate the efforts that are being… Read more
One of the public information officer’s (PIO) essential functions is to handle media requests and communications, preventing them from distracting the incident commander. Use these tips to prepare for and respond effectively to the media. Have media contact lists. Develop a media contact list with after-business hours contact information, email addresses and websites. Have multiple,… Read more
Use this document from FEMA to find contact information for your regional FEMA Office, NFIP State Coordinating Agency and State Hazard Mitigation Office. Reach out to your contacts before a disaster hits; the first time you exchange business cards should not be during a disaster. FEMA Regional Offices, NFIP State Coordinating Agencies and State… Read more
Social media is typically the most immediate way to reach large numbers of constituents at one time — Public Information Officers (PIOs) and emergency managers can post messages from the field as the situation unfolds, or direct staff at the to quickly send out messages via Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and other available platforms. Use… Read more
A Go Kit is a mobile response kit that allows public information officers (PIOs) to function in the event that they are working at a remote or off-site location. The individual serving as incident command’s PIO can use this FEMA Go Kit checklist before a disaster hits to ensure they are prepared with the essential materials needed… Read more
The person designated to serve in the public information officer position during a disaster can download this FEMA checklist as a PDF for use during a disaster. The checklist can help to ensure the minimum requirements for the position are completed during an incident, and also provides a sample initial information summary and a sample… Read more
David Maack, a long serving local Emergency Manager in Wisconsin, was asked to write a section on emergency management for a Wisconsin Counties Association Public Officials Handbook. The section provides a “job aid” for local elected officials in Wisconsin and across the U.S. Emergency Management Guide for Local Elected Officials
After a flood, ensuring staff and homeowners understand the requirements and procedures of the often presents unexpected challenges for localities. Staff and homeowners must have a clear understanding of the detailed rules and processes of the NFIP — especially the concept of — to accurately assess damage and know what actions will be required as a result.… Read more
Have a Plan and Share it with the Community Publicly communicate the plan the local government has in place for initial damage assessments – community members want to know that you won’t arbitrarily pull together a damage assessment team when disaster strikes. Have designated, trained officials prepared to conduct damage assessments, and let the community… Read more
Navigating the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) after a flood can present challenges for many communities. Build a relationship with your state’s floodplain manager prior to a disaster, and have their contact information on-hand in the event of a flood. State Floodplain Managers – State Contacts
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