The Joint Information Center (JIC) is a temporary organization established during emergency events that provides response agencies with a means to pool communication resources and ensure that consistent and accurate information is released as quickly as possible to the general public and news media. The agencies involved work cooperatively to accomplish these goals and the establishment of a JIC ensures that viewpoints from all response agencies are taken into account.

Since a JIC will be established in a major emergency event, it is important to prepare in advance of JIC activation and your participation.  If possible, build relationships with other response agencies now. Talk about how a JIC will work in your community, how overall JIC functions and flow can help communication efforts, and who can be called upon to work in the JIC.

The value of this information and materials is that they have been used during both local and statewide drills and exercises, as well as during local, "real-life" experiences with events. From these events – whether it’s the SARS-scare at San Jose International Airport, cryptosporidium in a local fountain or Hep A exposure at a local restaurant, we have refined and updated these materials as appropriate.

The Joint Information Center is organized into central functions with an assigned lead for each functional area. The Lead Public Information Office (PIO) and the JIC Manager are part of the Command Unit and oversee the functional units of the JIC; Media Relations, Research and Writing, and Special Projects.

The following attachments provide information on JIC planning, functions and organizational chart.

Attachments:
JIC Planning Considerations
Overview of JIC Functions
Blank JIC Functional Org Chart

Command Unit
The following attachments provide information on roles for each position within the Command Unit and job action sheets for lead positions. Sample operational tools and templates have been included.

Attachments:
Command Unit Roles
Lead PIO Job Action Sheet
JIC Manager Job Action Sheet

Tools:
Call Down List Template
JIC Sign in/out
JIC Org Chart
JIC Set-Up Equipment List

Media Relations Unit
The following attachments provide information on roles for each position within the Media Relations Unit and job action sheets for lead positions. Sample operational tools and templates have been included.

Attachments:
Media Relations Unit Roles
Media Relations Lead Job Action Sheet

Tools:
Communicating with the Media
News Media Policy Template
Quick Media List
Authorization for Release of Information to the Media
Photo Consent Form
How to Respond to Media Calls
News Desk Call Log
News Conference Checklist
Media Logistics Equipment & Supplies
Media Sign-In Sheet
Media Monitoring Log
JIC Deputy Field PIO Job Action Sheet
Field Site Media Policy Template

Research & Writing Unit
The following attachments provide information on roles for each position within the Research & Writing Unit and job action sheets for lead positions. Sample operational tools and templates have been included.

Attachments:
Research & Writing Unit Roles
Research & Writing Lead job Action Sheet

Tools:
Developing Messages
Message Roadmap
Blank Message Map
Anatomy of News Release
News Release Sample

Special Projects Unit
The following attachments provide information on roles for each position within the Special Projects Unit and job action sheets for lead positions. Sample operational tools and templates have been included.

Attachments:
Special Projects Unit Roles
Special Projects Job Action Sheet

Tools:
Sample List of Key Partners
Key Contact Sample List
Phone Script Sample
Special Populations Outline for Risk Communication