During a major emergency with a public health or medical component, the local public health agency will not be alone in responding to the event. Public Health will be just one of the agencies involved in the response to the event, and therefore will be working under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS).

To be able to communicate effectively during such an emergency, understanding the ICS structure and organization is critical. Our ability to successfully communicate will be impacted by our ability to work within a defined and clear chain of command, understanding various roles and responsibilities being activated (including public health’s specific role and authority) and how the entire command system works and fits together.

Why are the communications functions so critical? As public health professionals, our primary objective is to preserve and protect the public’s health. Providing timely, accurate and thoughtful information enables us to do this and limit ineffective, fear-driven and potentially damaging response to the event. Providing accurate and timely information also help us establish and maintain confidence in our organization.

In a major emergency with multiple agencies involved, a Joint Information Center (JIC) will be established to provide response agencies with a means to pool communication resources to provide quick, effective and accurate information. Understanding the function and structure of a JIC are the essential first steps in successfully accomplishing communication objectives.

The planning elements provided in this section can help you develop your local crisis and emergency risk communication plan.

• Incident Management Command Systems Overview
• CERC Plan
• Template A - Crisis Response Team Chart
• Template B - Crisis Decision Matrix
• Template C - Communications Operations
• Template D - ICS EOC Structure
• Template E - PIO Org Chart
• Template F - JIC Org Chart
• Glossary of Terms