What does it mean to a communications specialist when a JIC is operational?
Once a Joint Information Center (JIC) is operational, all media contacts
and information should be handled through this center to ensure the distribution
of consistent and accurate information. The JIC will:
- Issue
local public health announcements and updated information on the outbreak
and the response
- Disseminate
information about SARS, its management, and the possible need for travel
restrictions and isolation and quarantine
- Establish a "news desk operation" to
coordinate and manage media relations activities
- Provide
a location for state, local, and federal communication and emergency
response personnel to meet and work side-by-side in developing key
messages, handling media inquiries, writing media advisories and briefing
documents
- Respond
to frequently occurring questions by developing fact sheets, talking
points (key messages), and question-and-answer documents
- Coordinate
requests for spokespersons and subject matter experts
- Issue
media credentials
- Address
other local/regional information requests related to the outbreak that
require distribution to the media and the general public
- Develop,
coordinate, and manage local websites, as required
What activities
should be carried out once a decision to activate a JIC has been made?
- Once
widespread SARS-CoV transmission has been verified, activate full-scale
communication activities according to the state or local risk communications
plan. This may include deployment of field team(s) and assessment of
staffing needs for extended hours/days at the command center. Designated
staff will immediately report to the communications command center.
- Ensure
that the communications command center has sufficient telephone lines
to permit immediate access by field deployment teams.
- Activate
or enhance a toll-free hotline, if available, and add sufficient personnel
to answer incoming calls. Provide telephone response staff with resources
(e.g., state or CDC website address), and direct them to provide feedback
on needs for development, enhancement, or revision of current materials
to meet emerging information demand. To reduce the burden on local
resources, callers may be directed to the CDC information hotline if
necessary. Also consider implementing a dedicated line for healthcare
providers.
- Create
and disseminate a media advisory that provides information on the situation,
major actions taken, information about SARS, public guidance, and local
resources. It will be imperative to issue information updates immediately
and, as possible, to correct errors and misperceptions.
- If
developed, activate the local emergency SARS website, provide links
to other state government web servers, and disseminate this information
widely through the media. If a website has not been developed,
a link can be made available to CDC's
SARS website.
All media and public materials should be posted to the website, and
all SARS-related information should provide a website address. The
website should be used for media updates.
- Provide
local and external partners (e.g., medical professional associations,
community leaders, community groups) with information/materials that
will enable them to respond to public or healthcare provider inquiries,
as necessary. Arrange to hold periodic briefings with these partners.
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