Using a Joint Information System to Support Response
The Second in a Series of Interactive Training Workshops for Experienced Public Information Officers
Facilitated by Susan Santos, PhD, MS, national expert in Risk Communications and Public Information and Burt Peretsky, FOCUS GROUP Consultants
Recent emergencies and exercises in the region have demonstrated the critical need to coordinate information across agencies and jurisdictions. This advanced level Public Information Officer (PIO) training builds on previous basic public information training workshops hosted by WRHSAC and MEMA. It is intended for trained and/or experienced PIOs from all response organizations including police, fire, selectboards/mayors, public health, hospitals, colleges/universities, and EMS.
The workshop will focus on the key elements of a Joint Information System/Center, including:
- Importance of a JIS/JIC in today’s world of instant media
- Forming and using a JIS/JIC
- Role of the Public Information Officer in a JIS/JIC
- Social media monitoring and rumor control
- Use of JIS/JIC model to develop and present timely, coordinated, and accurate messaging in response to a simulated emergency.
To ensure time for practice and performance review, the workshop is limited to 30 qualified participants who are recommended or sponsored by a Local/Regional Emergency Planning Committee, Public Health Coalition, Hospital Coordinating Group, MMRS, Chief Elected Official or Responder Agency head.
There will be a rolling admissions process with all registrants initially waitlisted, so event planners can ensure that all counties and disciplines are effectively represented and can simulate a regional Joint Information System.
This training builds on plans recently developed by WRHSAC for a Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC). The MACC Concept of Operations includes a Joint Information System to help coordinate timely and accurate messages across agencies, communities and regions. The MACC model is in the process of being adopted in Berkshire County and will be introduced over the next several years in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties. The MACC PIO Standard Operating Guidelines are here for your review.
The training will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at the Hotel Northampton, Northampton MA. Registration and breakfast from 8am to 8:45am. The Welcome and training will begin at 8:45 and run to 4:00pm. Lunch will be provided. The training is free thanks to funding from the Western Region Homeland Security Council and the Hampshire and Hampden Public Health Coalitions.
Registration is closed for this training.
Helpful Resources:
Public Health Region 1 PIO SOG
And some PIO Training videos:
