Policy 320 News Media and Community Relations

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Questions and Answers

Where should reporters be directed to wait for additional information?

In their vehicles

In the command center

At the incident scene

In a designated staging area (correct)

What is the primary purpose of the News Media and Community Relations policy?

To provide guidelines for communicating with media and community representatives (correct)

To manage financial records

To enhance public relations

To streamline fire response operations

What should be done if media representatives want to take photographs and video at the scene?

Escort them away from the scene

Deny all requests

Allow them unrestricted access

Allow them only if they do not interfere with incident operations (correct)

Who designates the Public Information Spokesperson at an incident?

Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What must media representatives produce to gain access to restricted areas?

Press credentials Signup and view all the answers

When is it necessary to establish multiple Public Information Spokespersons?

During multijurisdictional incidents Signup and view all the answers

Who approves news releases before they are distributed to the media?

The Fire Chief, Incident Commander, or authorized designee Signup and view all the answers

What should the Public Information Spokesperson do upon arrival at an incident scene?

Report to the Incident Commander, obtain an incident briefing, and be assigned the Public Information Spokesperson radio designator Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with specific information prior to a news conference?

Keep it confidential until the conference Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that all media personnel wear proper protective clothing during a tour of a fire-damaged area?

Public Information Spokesperson Signup and view all the answers

Which type of information should the Public Information Spokesperson disseminate?

Incident response information, human interest or safety information, nature of the incident, hazards present, life-saving acts, duration of the incident, and evacuation notices Signup and view all the answers

What should the Public Information Spokesperson ensure regarding legally protected information?

It should not be released to the media Signup and view all the answers

What must be confirmed before releasing the names of injured or deceased persons?

Next-of-kin notification Signup and view all the answers

Who handles next-of-kin notifications before releasing names of seriously injured or deceased persons?

Law enforcement and/or hospital personnel Signup and view all the answers

Who handles media inquiries received by incident personnel?

Public Information Spokesperson Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of the Public Information Spokesperson during an incident?

To serve as the primary contact for all media inquiries Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is necessary?

Request it through Dispatch Signup and view all the answers

Who may ask the Incident Commander to assist in gathering information if necessary?

The Public Information Spokesperson Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Primary Purpose and Designation

The News Media and Community Relations policy aims to provide guidelines for communication with media and community representatives.
The Public Information Spokesperson at an incident is designated by the Incident Commander.

Incident Management and Media Communication

Multiple Public Information Spokespersons are necessary during multijurisdictional incidents.
Upon arrival at an incident scene, the spokesperson must report to the Incident Commander for a briefing and be assigned a radio designator.

Information Dissemination

The spokesperson is responsible for sharing incident response information, including hazards, life-saving acts, duration, and evacuation notices.
Legally protected information must not be released to the media, ensuring confidentiality.

Notifications and Media Management

Next-of-kin notifications before releasing names of injured or deceased individuals are managed by law enforcement or hospital personnel.
Reporters should wait in a designated staging area away from the incident scene for further information.

Media Access and Safety

Media representatives seeking to photograph or videotape at the scene may be allowed only if they do not interfere with operations or create safety hazards.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) should be requested through Dispatch if media aircraft pose a safety threat.

News Releases and Conferences

News releases must be approved by the Fire Chief, Incident Commander, or an authorized designee before distribution.
Typical news releases are concise, generally two pages or less in length.

News Conference Procedure

The Fire Chief determines the purpose and scope of a news conference, while the Public Information Spokesperson prepares the necessary statements or news releases.

Protective Measures and Attire

Department members attending a news conference must wear dress uniforms to convey professionalism.
The Public Information Spokesperson ensures media personnel wear proper protective clothing during tours of fire-damaged areas.

Coordination and Consultation

The Public Information Spokesperson can request assistance from the Incident Commander for information gathering if needed.
Before releasing any names of injured or deceased individuals, next-of-kin notifications must be confirmed.

Handling Media Inquiries

The Public Information Spokesperson is responsible for responding to media inquiries made by incident personnel.
If a TFR is needed, it must be requested through Dispatch to ensure air safety during incidents.

Coordination of Information Dissemination

The Public Information Spokesperson coordinates the dissemination of information at the incident, ensuring accurate and timely communication.

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Description

This quiz covers the key guidelines and responsibilities of public information spokespersons during incident management. It emphasizes media communication protocols, information dissemination, and the protection of sensitive information. Test your understanding of effective media relations in emergency scenarios.