As a Public Information Officer (PIO), the first 60 minutes of a disaster can be one of the most critical periods of your career and this is the Golden Hour to any large scale response.. This is the time when the PIO must act quickly and effectively to ensure that the public receives accurate and timely information about the disaster. In this article, I will discuss the top priorities of a PIO during the first 60 minutes of any crisis or disaster.

1. Ensure personal safety

The first and foremost priority for any PIO during a disaster is to ensure your own personal safety. This means taking all necessary precautions to protect yourself from harm. The PIO must ensure that you are not in any danger before can start communicating with others.

2. Activate the emergency response plan

The next priority for a PIO is to activate the emergency response plan. This includes coordinating with emergency responders, setting up communication channels, and ensuring that all necessary resources are available. The PIO must work with the emergency response team to establish a clear chain of command and communication with the Incident Commander.

3. Gather and verify information

Once the emergency response plan has been activated, the PIO must begin gathering and verifying information about the disaster. This includes information about the location, extent, and cause of the disaster, as well as any injuries or fatalities that may have occurred. You must verify all information before releasing it to the public to avoid spreading rumors or misinformation.

4. Create and disseminate messages

After gathering and verifying information, the PIO must create messages that convey accurate and relevant information to the public. These messages must be tailored to the specific needs of the community and should address any concerns or questions that they may have. The PIO must ensure that the messages are delivered through multiple channels to reach the widest possible audience. Getting the right information to the public at the right time.

5. Coordinate with media

The PIO must coordinate with the media to ensure that accurate information is being reported. This includes letting the media know who is the PIO for this incident, providing timely updates and responding to any inquiries from reporters. It is very important to “listen” to the public to prevent the spread of false information or rumors by the media.

6. Address public concerns

During a disaster, the public may have many concerns and questions. The PIO must be available to address these concerns and provide accurate information to ease anxiety and reduce panic. The PIO must also work to dispel any rumors or myths that may be circulating. During an incident, it is helpful to create a hashtag for the public to follow. The hashtag can be used by multiple agencies to organize information and make it more easily followed by the public.

7. Monitor social media

In today’s digital age, social media can play a significant role in disseminating information about a disaster. The PIO must monitor social media channels to ensure that accurate information is being shared and to correct any misinformation that may be spreading. The PIO must also be available to respond to inquiries and concerns from the public through social media.

8. Maintain situational awareness

Finally, the PIO must maintain situational awareness throughout the response effort. This means staying up-to-date on the latest developments and being prepared to adjust their communication strategy as necessary. The PIO must be flexible and adaptable, able to respond to changing circumstances and evolving needs.

In conclusion, the first 60 minutes of a disaster is the Golden Hour and this can be a critical period for any PIO. You must ensure your own personal safety, activate the emergency response plan, gather and verify information, create and disseminate messages, coordinate with the media, address public concerns, monitor social media, and maintain situational awareness.

 

By focusing on these priorities, you can help to ensure that the right people, receive the right information at the right time, which is essential for keeping people safe and reducing the impact of the disaster.

In today’s world, transparency is vital to online success. THPR Group, a family-owned business in Anderson, IN, is here to help government agencies, businesses, and schools enhance their public relations and boost their social media footprint in the community. Are you ready to enhance your agency’s public relations and communication skills? THPR Group, with over 30 years of public safety experience, offers specialized training in public information and leadership. Our team can enhance your existing team, or we can serve as your personal and dedicated Public Relations team. Call us today for a free consultation and let us build a tailored plan for your success. Reach us at (765) 387-9008 or visit our website to learn more about our services: http://www.thprgroup.com. Let’s build stronger, more positive connections within our communities together.

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