Emergency Public Information for the Spokesperson (22-23SEP08) Coatesville, Chester County PA

This course is being presented by the US Emergency Management Laboratory, Oak Ridge Institute of Science & Education, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), Oak Ridge, TN, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency's (PEMA) Training and Exercise Management Division and is being sponsored by the Exelon. Please see below for course information and registration details:

PURPOSE: Upon completion of the training, participants will recognize the importance of keeping the public informed during an emergency-related radiological incident or event, by working with the media, developing key messages for dissemination, answering media questions, and managing a news conference. The overall goal of the training is to prepare participants to effectively plan for, carry out, and coordinate public information activities in conjunction with an incident involving radioactive materials. Emphasis is placed on ongoing public communication and participation as vital to the success of public information efforts should an incident occur.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In the event of an incident involving radioactive material, the likelihood of a release is extremely small. However, whether or not there is a release, there is likely to be a perception of emergency conditions and risk on the part of some members of the public and a need to address safety and informational concerns. For this reason, response agencies need to prepare their people to carry out effective public communication activities: 1) to plan and implement proactive public communication programs in conjunction with addressing radiological incidents and 2) conduct coordinated and timely information dissemination in the event of an incident or actual radiological emergency. Spokesperson training is a preparation course for stakeholder personnel who need to communicate with the public concerning radiological incidents. The training has proven valuable to personnel concerned with public outreach and information, transportation management, emergency management, public safety, radiological incident response, emergency medical services, and management personnel who may have the opportunity to face the media during a radiological incident.

SUMMARY

Day 1

8:30-9:15 Introductions
9:15-10:00 Emergency Public Information Overview
10:00- 10:10 Break
10:10-11:00 Joint Information Center Overview
11:00-12:00 Earning Trust & Credibility
(Activity)
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-3:00 Key Message Development (Activity –customizing messages for individual agencies)
3:00-3:15 Break
3:15-4:30 Answering Questions (Activity)

Day 2

8:30-10:00 Answering Questions (Activity- customizing answers for individual agencies)
10:15-10:30 Break
10:30-12:00 Working with the Media (Activity)
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-2:30 The News Conference (Activity – mini-news conference)
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-3:45 Working with Victims
3:45 – 4:30 Wrap-up

PREREQUISITES: Participants should have completed IS-702 National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Public Information Systems. This free on-line course can be found at: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is702.asp.

TARGET AUDIENCE: This course is specifically designed for public information officers for state, county and municipal public safety organizations.

METHODOLOGY: Various uses of instructor lectures and work groups will be used throughout the course. Students will have to perform various tasks during the panel discussion and taped media briefing.

LOCATION: Exelon Emergency Operations Facility, Coatesville PA 19320
ADMINISTRATIVE INFO: There is no cost for attendance at this course. Lodging will not be provided; attendees will be responsible for their own transportation, meals, hotel charges.

An emergency number for family related emergencies will be provided upon entry into the course. The instructors and staff will get messages to you should emergency situations arise. There is an end-of-course exam.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: There are no special materials required for this course.

REGISTRATION: Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Registration for this course is limited to fifty (50) students.

YOU MUST NOW REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE ON THE NEW PEMA LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) on-line at: www.pahealthinfo.net

Location: Exelon Emergency Operations Facility, Coatesville PA
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Contact: Victor Wilson, Emergency Management Specialist/Trainer
Email: vicwilson@state.pa.us
Phone: 717-651-2136