8.6.2 – Emergency Risk Communications Plan
Standard: There shall be a communications plan that is reviewed and updated periodically, to accurately and effectively communicate with the public and experts during a catastrophic event that attracts significant media attention, such as a health emergency, terrorist attack, earthquake or storm. The crisis communication plan shall delineate individuals responsible for communicating with the press, chain of command on notifying proper people of the incident and communicating status updates.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide a copy of the Emergency Risk Communications Plan and the most recent review.
Narrative:
The Westchester County (WC) Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has overall responsibility for providing education on emergency preparedness to the citizen, visitor and commuter populations during disasters. The OEM, a division of the WC Department of Emergency Services, alerts the public and experts on existing hazards and familiarizes them with protective measures which is outlined in their Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
The WC Public Information Officer is part of the OEM Command at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and establishes a Joint Information Center (JIC) where official announcements are made to respond to inquiries from the news media. The JIC authenticates all sources of information, verifies accuracy of information, controls the spread of rumors, coordinates the release of public information, and arranges and approves media interviews and tours.
OEM communicates in other ways including through the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) which serves as the Warning Point in providing primary dispatch of fire and emergency medical services. The Department of Public Safety (DOP) dispatches its personnel as well as those in the Departments of Probation and Correction.
PRC and other County Departments communicate updates and information which are reviewed by OEM and stored electronically in the Westchester Incident Management System (WIMS).
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
8.6.2 – EOC 1 WC Department of Emergency Services Webpage
Emergency Services (westchestergov.com)
8.6.2 – EOC 3 OEM Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: Public Warning and Emergency Information
8.6.2 – EOC 4 EOC Quick Start Guide
8.6.2 – EOC 5 OEM Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: Communications
8.6.2 – EOC 6 WIMS Communication Module