Argonne JIS/JIC Workshop Presents NIMS-Compliant Approach

Providing the public with timely, accurate, and complete information that will enable citizens to protect themselves in an emergency is a challenge and responsibility facing all emergency management officials. Argonne's new Joint Information System/Joint Information Center (JIS/JIC) Workshop provides a clear, understandable template for incorporating National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) principles into a functioning emergency public information program. The workshop introduces a fully developed JIC model that addresses the processes, procedures, and systems for communicating timely and accurate information to the public and the news media during emergency situations.

The workshop provides decision makers and public affairs staff with the concepts, tools and skills necessary to effectively manage information during a crisis. It is designed within the framework of NIMS and ICS and offers a methodology for handling emergency information, regardless of the type of incident or the number of responding agencies involved. The course has been developed by public information professionals with experience in critical incidents large and small.

Argonne played a key role in developing the recently released NIMS Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers. The sample JIC organizations and functions included in the guidance were based in part on material presented in this workshop.

In this two-day, interactive workshop, participants learn why they need a JIC/JIS; how it works; the functions to be performed; and the team, equipment, and facility layout needed to get the job done. The course also includes modules designed to build the skills of individuals who will perform particular functions within the JIC/JIS.

On the final day, workshop attendees participate in a JIC-based training exercise using a scenario that tests the emergency information response capabilities of participating organizations. Experienced controllers guide the exercise play, while “mock media” simulate local, state, and national media. Mock media cover the “story” as if it were a real event by gathering information and producing print and broadcast stories on the basis of what they learn. This approach gives players the opportunity to react in a controlled environment where their decisions can be assessed.

The exercise concludes with a discussion of how the JIC functioned, issue identification, why the mock media produced the stories they did, how player performance influenced media coverage, and other lessons learned directly from JIC staff.

This course is designed for:

• JIC staff (all positions)
• Federal, state, and local emergency management and response officials
• Elected and appointed officials
• Business leaders and corporate officials
• Private sector public relations staff
• Representatives from volunteer agencies
• Contractors, administrative staff, and volunteers
• Public information officers and public affairs officers
• Anyone else who would be involved in providing emergency public information

"The Very Best Thing We Could Have Done" Argonne Risk Communication staff members were in Utah while a JIC was up and running. While there, we captured how a team of talented and professional public information officers set up and operated their JIC. We later returned to ask policy makers and the local media their impressions of the JIC to determine whether it was helpful to them or not. To watch the video, use the links below. JIC Video - Quicktime JIC Video - Windows MP4