SECOND LEVEL COURSE (40 hours)

GOAL

The course focuses on advanced preparation of the participant for a more effective role during area-wide disasters. Required for attendance: graduation from a previous resident or two or four-day CSTI PIO seminar/workshop.

 

OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

Learn techniques and methods in working with the media beyond the first level course.

Have a working knowledge of multi-agency coordination problems in operation during a large disaster.

Enhance on camera interview skills in high stress situations.

Learn current legal, political and ethical issues involved in public information.

Have an understanding and operational knowledge of current systems of Emergency Public Information and the PIO role.

Learn specific skills relating to improving the participant's professional image credibility.

Have a working knowledge and understanding of the information gathering system and analysis in an Emergency Operations Center, including a close examination of message forms and checklists.

Examine government response and public information operations to downed aircraft incidents.

Examine a recent disaster in detail and discuss options for improvement.

 

COURSE CONTENT

COURSE RECEPTION (Optional)

Participants are welcomed and provided with a detailed look at the course schedule. Friendships are renewed. Questions are answered.

REGISTRATION, WELCOME AND ORIENTATION

Provides participants with goals and objectives of the course, administrative orientation to CSTI. Self-intros contribute to group dynamics and help to focus on the course.

HANDLING HOSTILE GROUPS

This is an advanced session, building on the introductory principles examined in the First Level program. Specialized techniques for making presentations before City Councils, News Conferences, community groups, special boards or any group that may be hostile toward an individual¹s agency or programs.

SURFIN' THE NET

This session examines current developments in internet and world-wide-web communications, including strategies, trends, new technology, and lessons learned from recent crises in which web pages were used.

LEGAL UPDATE

An update of current case law, attorney general¹s opinions, civil suits and legislation affecting the responsibilities of the communicator, both during disasters and day to day operations.

PIO KITS

One of the most valuable tools a communicator must possess is a kit containing equipment that can be used in the event of an incident. In this session, a PIO who has researched and developed a high-tech, affordable assembly of useful equipment ranging from lap-top computer to Watchman TV set explains how the kit developed, costs involved and uses for the kit.

CASE STUDIES: RECENT INCIDENTS

A step by step, close examination (from an emergency public information standpoint) of recent incidents of interest to attendees. Interagency coordination, information gathering and dissemination, on camera techniques and media pressure are examined, among other issues.

INTERVIEWS LABS

Since all attendees must have as a requisite the four or five-day PIO in Disasters (now Crisis Communications and the Media) course, these interviews will be more intense. Difficult scenarios must be reviewed and then explained to a hostile press by participants with very little lead time. Emphasis will be on handling the aggressive, hostile reporter during times of stress.

WORKING WITH INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS

Occasionally a participant, whether in public or private enterprise, will face the inquiring mind of an I-Team reporter. Working with investigative reporters is unique and is extremely critical to the agency's image and public confidence. The intricacies of working with I-reporters and specific techniques for preparation, interviews and follow ups are examined. This session will be taught by a recognized investigative reporter.

ADVANCED MEDIA RELATIONS

Specific techniques for helping field and station personnel (for public safety) and city management personnel develop and maintain a personal, professional working relationship with the news media. Rules and guidelines pertaining to off the record, background information, use of sources, confidentiality and means of addressing problems with reporters or editors will be addressed.

NON-TRADITIONAL PUBLIC INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

The fire service has historically done an excellent job of using a wide variety of means to disseminate information to the public and to fire personnel. This session examines those avenues of information and their relevance to participants.

COURSE REVIEW AND CRITIQUE/GRADUATION

The course is reviewed by the participants, concerns are addressed suggestions for changes and improvements are discussed. Written critiques are completed and handed in. Each participant will have a moment to reflect on the training received, personal plans and goals and ideas for implementation of ideas learned when returning to the participant's agency. Certificates are handed out to each participant.

 

.	MONDAY	.
7:00 - 8:00	Welcome at Embassy Suites	Frank Cowan

  .

.	TUESDAY	.
8:00 - 8:30	Registration	Traci Blake/Staff
8:30 - 9:00	Welcome and Orientation	John Mirolla/Frank Cowan
9:10 - 12:00	Handling Hostile Groups	Dr. Ray Zeuschner
12:00 - 1:00	LUNCH	.
1:00 - 5:00	Case Studies	Steve Valenzuela,  LA Co Fire Participants
7:00	CLASS DINNER AND REUNION	TBD

  .

.	WEDNESDAY	.
8:00 - 10:30	Advanced Media Relations, Working with Investigative Reporters	Chuck Rossie, CMR Group
11:00 - 12:00	Mass Casualty Incidents	Karen Terrill, CDF
12:00 - 1:00	LUNCH	.
1:00 - 5:00	Interview Labs 1 & 2	Interview Team

   .

.	THURSDAY	.
8:00 - 9:45	Surfin' the Net	Dave Terrill
10:00 - 12:00	Interview Lab 3	Interview Team
12:00 - 1:00	LUNCH
1:00 - 5:00	Interview Lab 4	Interview Team

  .

.	FRIDAY	.
8:00 - 9:00	NTPID	Judy Downing, USFS
9:00 - 12:00	Legal Update, Course Review, Graduation	Jerry Goddard,  Cowan,  Participants

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