Emergency Public Information

APPENDIX 2 - Emergency Public Information

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I. PURPOSE

To provide guidance for media coordination and the dissemination of emergency public information.

II. OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS

A . It is the policy of Pierce County to endeavor to release timely and accurate emergency information to the public concerning emergency preparedness, response and recovery in a cooperative manner with the media. This should be coordinated with other jurisdictions and the state Emergency Management Division as much as possible.

B. The Executive has designated the Executive Public Information Coordinator as the Emergency Public Information Officer (EPIO). Other county employees may be trained to support EPIO activities. The EPIO or designee will work primarily from the Pierce County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when it is activated. They will coordinate with the public information officers from other county departments.

C. During emergency situations the EPIO or designee reports to the EOC to prepare and disseminate public information. The primary means to do this is by direct contact with the media. This information should also be disseminated to field forces so they know what information and guidance is being released to the public.

D. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is available for situations that are life threatening. The use of the system is addressed in the Central Puget Sound Local Area Plan.

E. A Joint Information Center (JIC) may be set up to provide a single point of contact for releasing emergency information if the magnitude of the situation warrants. This facility maintains direct contact with the EOC and may include information officers from other departments or jurisdictions. The location of the JIC will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

F. It is the policy of Pierce County that each county department may release information concerning their emergency actions. This information should be coordinated with the EOC in a timely manner. Any releases prepared by county departments which quote or mention the Executive shall be coordinated with the EPIO before being released.

G. The Pierce County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) maintains a supply of emergency public information materials concerning a variety of hazards which are available upon request. Emergency preparedness information may be directed toward four specific areas, the general public, schools, business and industry and government. The EOC may also develop hazard information specific to Pierce County for distribution to the public.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Pierce County Department of Emergency Management

1. Develop and distribute emergency public information materials.

2. Maintain the county EOC plan.

3. Activate the EAS when indicated.

B. Law Enforcement Support Agency

1. Maintain the EAS SAGE box.

2. Activate the EAS when indicated.

C. Pierce County Emergency Public Information Officer (EPIO)

Coordinate contacts with the media and the release of emergency public information.

D. Pierce County County Departments

Provide the EPIO with information concerning emergency activities.

IV. REFERENCES

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V. DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

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VI. TABS

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