Public Information In Civil Defense Services

At a glance..

Gain a deeper knowledge of how public information in civil defense works during a military or natural disaster. This guide covers writing rules, information flow, a program's main objectives, and why all of it is important.

The details..

'Public Information in Civil Defence' provides guidance for information officers (IOs) on how to maintain good communication with the public during disasters. The IO's job is to establish and maintain channels of communication between civil defence organizations and the media, including press, radio, television etc. This book emphasizes that good public relations require consistent planning over an extended period.

The objectives and obligations of federal headquarters include keeping provincial branches up-to-date about federal plans affecting them; providing leadership through planned programs; funneling all CD information to news media outlets so that local IOs have their own ground covered. Provincial headquarters are responsible for informing the public about provincial developments while also assisting municipal IOs by coordinating efforts at a regional level.

Municipalities play an important role in keeping citizens informed about local CD developments as well as tying together both provincial and federal programs within their area. Municipal IOs must be able to put ideas across clearly while having a working knowledge of CD. Qualifications for this position may vary depending upon location but experience as a newsmen or related field seems essential.

Daily newspapers can provide valuable coverage when it comes time for events such as exercises or casualty simulation training classes being repeated again after some time has passed since last held - however most stories won't warrant this kind attention from reporters who will need more cooperation than others.