Training: Dealing with the Media: A Short Course for Rural First Responders (AWR-209)

The course is designed to provide rural first responders with the skills and knowledge to quickly adopt the role of public information officer (PIO) if/when needed and to communicate with the public through the media.

In the event that a first responder is thrust into the role of PIO, whether it be roadside at the scene of an emergency or detailing directions to the public in a crisis situation, it is important to understand how the media works and how best to work with the available media outlets.

Topics covered include but ar not limited to:

• Utilizing the media in emergency and public awareness situations.
• Working with the media at the scene of an emergency.
• Anticipating what news agencies want from the responders at the scene of an emergency.
• Giving interviews that work.
• Writing effective news releases that will be read.

Registration: E-mail rdpc@iowacentral.com

There is no fee for this course.