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Disaster Communications & Public Information Officer

Disaster Communications & Public Information Officer

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  • Disaster Communications & Public Information Officer

Strengthen your ability to deliver clear, credible messaging while managing media and community expectations during crisis. Learners will practice strategies for building trust and maintaining transparency in difficult situations.

Course Content

Launching the Public Information Officer (PIO) Function
12 Topics
1 Quiz
Welcome: Leading Clear and Effective Communications During a Crisis
Fundamental Principles of Disaster Communications
Selecting the Right PIO Lead, Deputies, and Spokespeople Quickly
Setting Up an Effective Joint Information Center (JIC) in Limited Space
Defining Initial Messaging, Monitoring, and Briefing Roles Clearly
Proactive Community Engagement to Build Trust During Early Crisis Stages
Developing a One-Page Crisis Communications Plan With Clear Goals and Channels
Establishing a 12–24 Hour Messaging Cycle With Limited Staffing
Securing Fast Approval for Your Crisis Communications Plan
Assigning PIO Roles Clearly to Prevent Duplication and Delays
Quickly Training Non-Communications Staff as Backup Messengers
Ensuring Consistent Messaging Across Shifts and Teams
Ensuring Consistent Messaging Across Shifts
Multi-Agency Message Coordination
9 Topics
1 Quiz
Creating a Unified Messaging Document With Partner Input
Using a “Core Message + Local Variations” Model Effectively
Keeping Equity and Accessibility Central in Messaging
Leading Concise, Effective Multi-Agency Messaging Calls
Tracking Message Alignment and Assigning Clear Follow-Ups
Documenting and Sharing Key Messaging Decisions Clearly
Creating an Accelerated Message Approval Process
Real-Time Coordination of Legal, Policy, and Communications Reviews
Adapting One Message Effectively Across Multiple Channels
Adapting Messages Across Channels
Media Briefings and Interviews
8 Topics
1 Quiz
Quickly Drafting Clear and Credible Talking Points
Setting Up, Assigning Roles, and Rehearsing in Minutes
Managing the Briefing Flow to Stay in Control
Deciding Who Speaks to Media, When, and Where
Balancing Media Access With Operational Safety
Managing Embedded Media During Field Operations
Handling Hostile or Politicized Media Questions With Credibility and Calm
Supporting Spokespeople When Briefings Go Off Track
Supporting Spokespeople in Briefings
Effective Public Messaging Under Pressure
5 Topics
1 Quiz
Writing Calm, Clear Messages During Crisis Situations
Managing Message Tone Amid Public Anger and Fear
Deciding What Information to Share, Delay, or Withhold
Collaborating With Operations and Law Enforcement on Sensitive Details
Avoiding Messaging That Endangers Operations or Safety
Avoiding Messaging That Risks Safety
Managing Rumors and Misinformation
9 Topics
1 Quiz
Monitoring Social Media and Informal Channels for Rumors
Quickly Vetting Rumors to Decide on Appropriate Responses
Issuing Effective Corrections Without Amplifying Misinformation
Aligning Rapid Response Messaging Across Multiple Jurisdictions
Leveraging Community Influencers to Combat Misinformation
Resolving Conflicting Narratives Between Partner Agencies
Posting Rapid Updates Without Errors or Missteps
Managing Trolls, Negative Comments, and Spiraling Threads Effectively
Pre-Scheduling and Queuing Social Content When Short-Staffed
Scheduling Social Content While Short-Staffed
Integrating PIO Within EOC & Field Ops
9 Topics
1 Quiz
Understanding EOC Operations to Integrate Communications Effectively
Setting a Realistic Messaging Cadence Aligned With EOC Activities
Avoiding Common Friction Points With EOC Operations and Logistics Teams
Effective Field Communications During Active Response Operations
Clarifying the Roles of PIOs, Liaison Officers, and JIC Personnel
Getting Real-Time Field Updates Without Causing Disruption
Converting Situation Reports Into Clear Public-Facing Messages
Reframing Agency Jargon Into Clear Public Communication
Coordinating Message Approvals with Operations Leadership
Coordinating Message Approvals in Ops
Internal Communications & Leadership Support
9 Topics
1 Quiz
Ensuring Consistent Messaging Among Elected Officials and Executives
Managing Leaders Who Go Off-Script Without Creating Internal Conflict
Clarifying Communication Roles Between PIO, Leadership, and Departments
Writing Briefs That Equip Leaders to Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Conducting Quick, Effective Pre-Briefing Sessions for Executives
Helping Executives Successfully Navigate Difficult Media Questions
Rapidly Disseminating Message Guides Across All Teams and Agencies
Using Internal Briefings, Bulletins, and Group Messaging Efficiently
Keeping Field and Internal Staff Informed Without Overload
Keeping Staff Informed Without Overload
Post-Incident Communications & Transition
10 Topics
1 Quiz
Reframing Public Messaging as the Crisis Phase Ends
Clearly Updating the Public Without Overpromising Recovery Outcomes
Sustaining Public Trust When Resources Are Limited or Delayed
Documenting Communication Successes and Gaps Clearly and Quickly
Incorporating Community and Media Feedback Into After-Action Reports
Creating Actionable Communication Improvements for Future Events
Publicly Acknowledging Frustration Without Being Defensive
Crafting Messages to Gradually Restore Confidence in Institutions
Supporting Agency and Staff Morale Following Public Criticism
Supporting Morale After Criticism
Closing Lesson: Sustaining Community Trust and Communication Excellence Beyond the Crisis