This course introduces participants to what the Public Information Officer (PIO) does in emergency management, along with basic information about the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). The PIO topics covered include the role of the PIO; communication tools and resources encompassing social media; effective communication; preparing the community through outreach and other means; and communication in an incident. The IPAWS topics covered include what the system is and does, preparing alert and warning messages, and writing common alerting protocol messages. This is a 2-day classroom course that gives participants time to perform activities and exercises to reinforce the knowledge and build basic skills.

Selection Criteria: This course is intended for newly appointed emergency managers from Federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and emergency management agencies, and prospective professionals transferring from another discipline to emergency management.

ACE: Level: Upper Division

ACE: Credit Hours: 1

CECs: 12

Describe the public information and warning Core Capability, including:

• The purpose and key elements of public information and warnings.
• The roles of the Emergency Manager and Public Information Officer.
• Tools and processes for communicating with the public.

• Common

• Emergency Management

Public Information and Warning