EM. Ch-5 How we communicate

Question 1

Communication Focus is on whom?

Answer 1

n the emergency management profession, a focus on ‘customers’ and on providing adequate customer service to these individuals and groups, is essential. This is accomplished first and foremost by ensuring that the needs and interests of individuals and communities comes first, and that the emergency management organization is responsive, informative, and manages expectations.

Question 2

What are the two types of customers?

Answer 2

Internal customers (staff, other federal agencies, states, and other disaster partners)
2.External customers (the general public, elected officials at all levels of government, community and business leaders, and the media)Each of these customers has specific information needs, and a good communications strategy considers and reflects their requirements.

Question 3

Communication Strategy

Answer 3

•Mitigation —to promote the implementation of strategies, technologies, and actions that will reduce the loss of lives and property in future disasters•
Preparedness —to communicate preparedness messages that encourage and educate the public in anticipation of disaster events•
Response —to provide to the public notification, warning, evacuation, and situation reports on an ongoing disaster•
Recovery —to provide individuals and communities affected by a disaster with information on how to register for and receive disaster relief

Question 4

Situational Awareness? Why is it important

Answer 4

Knowing the number of people killed and injured, the level of damage at the disaster site, the condition of homes and community infrastructure and current response efforts provide decision-makers with the situation awareness to identify needs and appropriately apply available resources. The collection, analysis, and dissemination of information from the disaster site are the basis for an effective communications operation in disaster response.

Question 5

What is COP “Common Operating Picture

Answer 5

Is a platform that is used by all members of the emergency management realm that helps paint a clear picture of the situation, therefore the appropriate resources can be used. A number of software solutions have been developed to allow for a common operating picture at state and local levels, including the Virginia Interoperability Picture for Emergency Response (VIPER) and WebEOC.