Media Relations Program Components:

$1.$ Public Information:

$-$ This component focuses on providing general information and updates to the public. It includes press releases, news updates, announcements, and feature stories about the department's activities, initiatives, and achievements.

$-$ The purpose is to keep the public informed and engaged, building a positive image and credibility for the department.

$2.$ Fire Prevention:

$-$ This component aims to educate the public about fire safety measures, prevention tips, and awareness campaigns.

$-$ It involves creating and disseminating educational materials, organizing community events, conducting media outreach to promote fire safety messages, and collaborating with local organizations and schools.

$3.$ Crisis Communication:

$-$ This component deals with managing communication during emergencies, crises, or critical incidents.

$-$ It includes developing crisis communication plans, establishing protocols for media inquiries during emergencies, drafting crisis messages, coordinating press conferences or media briefings, and providing regular updates to the media and the public.

Administration of the Program:

$-$ Message Preparation:

$-$ General Messages: The media relations team, in collaboration with relevant department personnel, will prepare general messages related to public information and fire prevention.

$-$ Crisis Messages: In case of a crisis or emergency, the media relations team, in coordination with the incident command team, will prepare crisis messages.

$-$ Message Approval:

$-$ General Messages: The media relations team will seek approval from the department's designated spokesperson or a higher$-$level authority before releasing general messages to the media.

$-$ Crisis Messages: Crisis messages will require approval from the incident command team, including the incident commander and the department's spokesperson.

$-$ Message Dissemination:

$-$ The media relations team will disseminate messages through various channels, including press releases, social media platforms, department website, email distribution lists, and media outreach.

$-$ For crisis messages, the team will use multiple channels to ensure widespread coverage and timely updates, including emergency alert systems, press conferences, social media updates, and media briefings.

$-$ Frequency of Message Release:

$-$ Routine Messages: General messages will be released periodically based on the department's activities, initiatives, or noteworthy updates.

$-$ Crisis Messages: During emergencies or crises, messages will be released as frequently as necessary to provide timely updates and address public concerns.

The media relations program aims to ensure accurate and accessible information dissemination, following AHJ policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. It requires knowledge of media relations fundamentals, crisis management techniques, and proficiency in utilizing social media platforms for effective communication.