I.  PURPOSE

The purpose of this annex is to establish procedures for rapid dissemination of emergency public information and to outline the resources available. During an emergency or disaster, local government is responsible for keeping the public informed of the situation as it develops.

1. Seven local commercial radio stations, two TCI Cablevision services, and two newspapers serve Eddy County. All of these are avenues for the dissemination of public information.
2. The WIPP has established a Joint Information Center (JIC) at the Skeen/Whitlock building. Personnel trained in providing information to the public staff the JIC and the JIC's assistance is available to local government agencies if needed.

1. Public information/education prior to an emergency is of utmost importance. Many disasters strike without sufficient time to instruct the public as to life and property saving measures. The public must be informed of protective measures individuals may take in event of a flood, tornado, hazardous materials spill, etc. prior to and during an actual event.
2. The cooperation of the local news media is essential in disseminating emergency information and instructions to the public and in minimizing rumor and misinformation in event of a disaster.
3. Ensuring media representatives access to accurate information during a major local disaster will require the attention of a designated Public Information Officer (PIO).

A.  Direction and Control

1. The control and release of information to the public is the duty of the Public Information Officer (PIO).
2. The PIO is subordinate to the direction and control element of the jurisdiction, reporting directly to the EOC Director.
3. The direction and control element determines if a PIO is appropriate, depending on the nature of the disaster and extent of media coverage.

B.  Coordination of Public Releases

1. It is imperative that releases to the public and media be made from a single official point, usually the PIO. Local jurisdiction approval of and direction and control agreement with the information released is essential. Conflicting information released by different officials or jurisdictions confuses the public, leads to rumors and may cause adverse public reaction.
2. Public releases will normally be approved at the highest jurisdictional level actively involved in the disaster.

A.  Organization

In most disaster situations a single Public Information Officer (PIO) can cover all public information actions. For a large-scale disaster, a PIO staff or the assistance of a JIC may be required.

B.  Responsibilities

1. Public Information Officer

1. Develop the capability for immediate release of emergency instructions and information to the public through all available media.
2. Ensure public information releases are available for non-English speaking persons.
3. Ensure consideration of those who are hearing impaired or visually impaired, by repeating information in more than one type of media.
4. Obtain updates from various EOC representatives and keep the news media updated on the most current and accurate information concerning the emergency/disaster.
5. Conduct situation briefings for visitors, media, etc., as appropriate.
6. Conduct tours of the disaster area when and if appropriate.
7. Arrange interviews with key personnel, when requested by the media, if possible to do so without interfering with disaster operations.
8. When necessary, provide emergency instructions to the public through all means available concerning in-place protection or evacuation procedures.
9. Establish a location with telephone communications where relatives can call about disaster victims or missing persons.
10. Provide the public educational materials pertaining to potential hazards. Include materials that explain first aid, self-help actions and other survival measures.

As a part of the direction and control element, the PIO is assigned space in the EOC and provided the necessary communications, supplies and equipment.

1. Responsibility for maintaining and updating this annex rests with the jurisdiction's designated PIO.
2. This annex will be updated as needed and reviewed annually.
3. The annex will be exercised in accordance with the exercise schedule as presented in the preparedness section of this document.

 
Tab 1 Radio, TV, and Newspapers Serving Eddy County.

 
 

Station	City	Frequency	Telephone
KATK	Carlsbad	92.1 FM	885-2151
KATK	Carlsbad	930 AM	885-2151
KCCC	Carlsbad	990 AM	887-5521
KCDY	Carlsbad	104.1 FM	887-3571
KAMQ	Carlsbad	1240 AM	887-7755
KSVP	Artesia	990 AM	746-2751
KTZA	Artesia	92.9 FM	746-2751

 

 
 

Station	City	Programming Hours	Telephone
US Cable	Carlsbad	24 hours	885-4147
US Cable	Artesia	24 hours	748-1336

 

 
 

Publication	Circulation	Location	Phone	Frequency
Carlsbad Current Argus	County-wide	Carlsbad	887-5501	Tuesday to Sunday
Artesia Daily Press	County-wide	Artesia	746-3524	Daily