ER 111 - Risk Communication and Public Information

Credit Hours: 3

A description of risk communication and its principles; and the study of the role and skills of the public information officer during an emergency. The principles and factors for effective risk communication are explained. Topics addressed includes: major problems faced in communicating risk to the public, common misconceptions during communication campaigns, and writing risk messages. The basic skills of the public information officer, including verbal and written communications, information dissemination, and the role of the media and the relationship of the PIO with the media are described. The basic tools, techniques and latest technology to assist the PIOs in carrying out their emergency public information responsibilities are presented. A performance-based approach is utilized by conducting radio and TV interviews allowing the students to apply what they have learned at the ECC Multi-Scenario Simulator.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

describe the basic communication process;
list and explain the principles of risk communication;
explain the roles and responsibilities of the public information officer including the legal aspects;
demonstrate the ability to develop working relationships with the media, co-workers, and superiors concerning public information activities;
demonstrate the ability to research, write and deliver news releases;
demonstrate the ability to explain the public information officer’s role in crisis communications;
explain the public information officer’s roles within the incident command system; and
describe the responsibilities of the PIO to the public, the media, the PIO’s agency, and responding agencies.

F (C, S)