Information Management
Public Information Officers (PIOs) will be assigned in the All Hazard Response Organization in the event of an All Hazard response. Coordination, information development/dissemination and assisting in strategic planning/implementation will be a key responsibility of the PIO function with a particular emphasis on the information needs of the Washington Office and the Department.
A second key objective is to capture and disseminate (in an effective, timely manner) success stories reflecting the agency and interagency response actions i.e. success stories, unique mission assignments, human interest stories, and ICS capabilities.
Other objectives include development of briefing papers, talking points, daily updated information and analysis/integration of ICS209 information into appropriate messaging.
Issues and Concerns:
While the Lead PIO works for the Regional Director, PAO, close coordination with the Assistant Director for Fire and Emergency Operations and others in the AHRO is essential.
Role clarification, expectations, coordination and messaging paths are needed for PIOs responding to the AHR. There are many close, productive, responsive relationships which are vital to the success of the mission. Examples are as follows:
- PIO w/ Regional PAO Director
(Could include messaging upward to NRCC/NIIC-WO/Departmen. Regional PAO would serve as
communication link to Regional Forester)
- PIO w/Area Command PIO
(Could include ESF-4 liaison or information link)
- PIO with mission assigned IMT PIOs
(Could include FEMA liaison link)
- PIO w/ Forest level PIOs
(Coordinate with Regional PAO Director)
Political awareness/sensitivities are key to successful implementation of the joint PIO initiatives during the AHR.