Key Personnel/Identification of Roles and Responsibilities

Information Officer

The Information Officer is responsible for interface with the local Public Information Officer, the media, and other appropriate agencies. This function is implemented to relieve the IC of working with the media, which would take him or her away from command responsibilities.

The needs of the media are real and must be met. The media needs accurate and consistent information. When the IC is not able to handle both managing the incident and informing the media, the Information Officer’s position should be implemented.

The Information Officer should:

• Upon notification of the Information Officer assignment, report to the Command Post and obtain a briefing on the situation from the IC.
• Determine what is expected of him or her; what the Information Officer’s media release authority is; and what types of releases, if any, can be made without the IC’s approval.
• Establish a single incident information center or press area whenever possible. Media representatives need to be made aware of its location and the importance of their reporting there.

Unless the EOC is activated, or until deemed necessary by the IC, the information center will be at or near the scene of the emergency, away from the Command Post. The Information Officer needs to arrange for necessary workspace, materials, telephones, radios, and additional staffing.

• Coordinate with the EOC’s Public Information Officer to prevent conflicting information.
• Obtain whatever personnel are needed, as the incident unfolds, to assist in the duties of the assignment. At least one assistant will be needed from the start.
• Coordinate all releases of significant information with the IC.
• Prepare an initial information summary as soon as possible. The Information Officer is responsible for releasing information to the news media and is responsible for posting information in the Command Post and in other appropriate locations.
• Establish specific times for news releases, fact sheets, or updates.
• Conduct tours of the emergency scene as directed by the IC. These tours should be made based on any safety guidelines established by the Safety Officer. Media representatives should have the proper protective clothing for the situation and be warned about specific dangers or potential problems.