Public Information (PI)

Strategic Function: To provide a uniform message to the public in a timely manner.

Why: It is important to reduce the public’s fear and uncertainty by preparing the public before an emergency and giving them accurate and timely information about what to do during an emergency.

Who: Public Information Officer appointed through the Joint Information Center and other information officers.

When: Before an incident occurs the public need to know how to prepare.  During an incident, the public needs to receive information to know what to do and where to go to receive services, if needed.  

Where: In planning, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides for a Public Information System (PIS).  In response, key information will be given to partners that need to be relayed to the public via the media, the web, through handouts.  Information needs to be distributed in a way that reaches the most people possible.

How: PIS is part of the existing emergency response infrastructure.  During an incident, a Joint Information Center is established and messages are developed that need to be given to the public.  Depending on the emergency, messages can be prepared to expedite communication to the public. 

• NM MEMS public information preparedness and response functions, tasks, and activities will be carried out through the State’s implementation of the NIMS Public Information System that is part of the existing emergency response infrastructure.
• In a crisis, as it always is, the New Mexico Department of Health will be accessible to the public, the media and all constituents.
• Communications will be transparent, open, honest, immediate, and based on the best scientific and incident assessment information available.
• Public information officers will give information to the public about how they should respond to the emergency.
• Messages will focus on reducing the public’s fear and uncertainty.
• It is important to provide cressageedible information to the public through the media.
  

• Who is the Public Information Officer that might be appointed through the states’ NIMS Public Information System?
• Is there a current list of the local media contacts ready to go?
• Are there messages that have been prepared to expedite communication during an incident?*
• Are there ms that can be distributed to the public now so they are prepared for a health emergency?

 

*A sample tool of a prepared message to expedite communication during an incident: 

For more information about this tool: See page 8, (reviewed on 2/14/08).

 

 

 

Pandemic Influenza Talking Points for the Media

Pandemic influenza would be caused by a new subtype of influenza

• People would not have immunity.
• It would spread rapidly throughout the world, probably in waves.
• It would be more deadly than seasonal flu, causing widespread deaths and disruption.

Influenza is spread from person to person

• In respiratory droplets in coughs and sneezes.
• When a person touches respiratory droplets of another person or an object, such as a doorknob, and then touches his or her mouth or nose before washing hands.
• The virus then enters the nose or mouth, going into the throat and lungs, where it begins to multiply.

Vaccines and antivirals

• Currently there is no vaccine available for this new subtype influenza.
  
• Vaccination is the best method for preventing influenza. However, manufacturing and licensing the pandemic vaccine may take as long as three to six months once the pandemic viral strain has been identified.
  
• Antibiotics won’t help influenza. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, but influenza is caused by a virus.
  
• Because there will not be enough antivirals for the entire population, antivirals will be given first to health care workers and first responders to enable them to do their jobs without becoming ill.

Staying healthy

• You can protect yourself by frequently washing your hands with soap and water and keeping surfaces clean and infection free.
• Practice good cough etiquette to prevent the spread of germs. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands immediately.
• Eat well, get enough sleep, exercise and practice healthy habits to bolster your resistance.

Practice social distancing to prevent infection

• Avoid gatherings and crowds.
• Do not use public transportation.
• Postpone travel.
• If possible work from home.
• Consider keeping children home to avoid infection, which can spread quickly in schools and day care centers.
• Use email, fax, and the telephone instead of meetings.
• Stay three feet away from anyone who is sneezing or coughing.
• Stock up on basic food and supplies.

Self-care, including diagnosis, self-treatment, treatment of family members, and preventive measures to avoid exposure to influenza, will be an important public health measure to minimize the effects of the pandemic.

• Stay home if you are ill.
• Drink liquids to avoid dehydration.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol™) or ibuprofen (Advil™).
• Take over-the-counter decongestants and other medications.
• Never give aspirin to children.

Employers should urge their employees to:

• Stay home if they are sick to avoid infecting others.
• Work from home if possible.
• Use phones, fax, email and videoconferencing instead of meetings.
• Postpone travel.
• Keep office doors closed.
• Use sanitizing gel when soap and water are not available.
• Clean work surfaces often to avoid the spread of the virus.

During a pandemic there will be unprecedented demands for services. This will be compounded by a reduction in health care workers due to illness or the need to care for sick family members. While all medical and response personnel will strive to provide resources for the best possible care to influenza patients, long waiting times at physician’s offices, and emergency departments will be unavoidable.

Summary
NM MEMS-related public information will be provided through the Public Information System established in response to the incident that caused the activation of NM MEMS.

Risk Communication Prior To An Incident
Fact sheets available to the public before an incident to include information about signs and symptoms of pandemic influenza and other exposures; appropriate self care responses; use of healthcare and what to expect from the health care system during an incident.

Kent County Health Department: Disasters Supply Check List (MI)

University of Minnesota: Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy - Home Care Guide: Providing Care at Home During Pandemic Flu

Pandemic Influenza Risk Communication Handbook

New Mexico Department of Health: "Be Safe & Ready!"

New Mexico Department of Health: "Safe & Ready Radio Campaign"

New Mexico Department of Health: Seguros y Preparados

New Mexico Department of Health: Pan Flu Self Care FAQ

New Mexico Department of Health: Pan Flu Senior Self Care

New Mexico Department of Health: Diabetes Self Care

New Mexico Department of Health: Heart Self Care

New Mexico Department of Health: Family Emergency Preparedness Guide

American Red Cross: Get Prepared!

Risk Communication During An Incident
Press releases and public service announcements pre-prepared. These include information to direct the public on where to access appropriate care based on an individual’s health condition.
Pandemic Influenza & Avian Flu Fact Sheets from the CDC

Pandemic Influenza Talking Points for the Media

Health Emergency Assistance Line and Triage Hub (HEALTH) Model Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Job Description for Local Public Information Officer (PIO)
Job description will include relationship to DOH Communications Director and the Joint Information Center (JIC).
NIMS IS-700 Study Guide

IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)

Other
University of Minnesota: Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy - Is your business prepared for a pandemic or other public health emergency? (MI)

Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic July 2007: Communication Tools

Risk and Crises Communication

www.Ready.gov: Information for Individuals and Businesses for Emergency Preparedness

University of Minnesota: Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy / Flu Watch Communication Campaign (CT)

Tarrant County Public Health Preparedness Website (TX)

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