Agenda - 10-25-2022; 7 - Emergency Preparedness – Roles, Responsibilities, and Plans

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28 Elected Official's Guide to Emergencies and Disasters • If you must read a prepared statement, review the information before going to the press. Read in a relaxed manner. • Be believable, personable, and conversational. Credibility is vital to getting your message across • Coordinate any requests to tour the scene with the IC or PIO/PAO before making any promises to the media • Let the County Manager know if you talk with the media. The County Manager will let the EOC and the PIO know the contents of your interview/conversation. This is important so that accurate and consistent information is being disseminated in a coordinated manner If you would like, the PIO can often help develop talking points for interviews as a way to help you prepare. Types of Media Interviews Television: It is natural to become anxious when a TV personality requests an interview. Do not think you have to have the on-air demeanor of a TV personality - the public knows that this is not who you are. The important thing is to appear honest, straightforward, and concerned. Look at the reporter, not the camera. Think of it as one-on-one conversation with someone you like and you will look more relaxed. Be prepared with visuals that may help make your story better. Suggest meeting the reporter at an area appropriate to the situation to create a better visual location. Radio: Most radio interviews are conducted over the phone. Prepare by cutting out all distractions. You might want to hold all your calls and shut your door to avoid people entering your office. Talk in your normal voice. Print: Print interviews usually last longer than radio or television interviews. The reporter will want more details. Make sure to block enough time to do a print interview. If needed, pull other people from the County for the interview, especially if they have expertise on your program/issue. 25