DPT 8.0
Command, Control & Communications
•Media Coordination
–Accurate communications
•At the disaster scene
•At the hospital
–Provide the media
•Dedicated space
•Timely and accurate updates
•Public relations
COMMAND, CONTROL & COMMUNICATIONS (Continued)

The media comprise a reliable means of informing the community about the status of the disaster.  Media resources can be utilized in a proactive coordinated fashion to provide information about facility evacuations, notifications to shelter-in-place, use of personal protective equipment, and public health information.  Specific public relations announcements regarding community notification could be recorded and produced in advance.  This will help to allay concern and to address inaccurate rumors within the community.

At the scene and at the hospital, the media must be aware of and respect the authority of the incident commander.  This relationship will require that the media be involved at appropriate times during the disaster planning process.

At the hospital, space should be provided for the media representatives so they will have a place to receive briefings from the public relations officer and from the incident commander.  Regular and accurate briefings will ensure media participation.