Emergency Support Functions Paper

643 Words2 Pages

Communications is fundamental in any plan. During terrorist incidents it crucial to get accurate information to the public. This information allows for individuals to make well-informed decisions in times of disaster. Research has shown according to Newman and Clarke (2008), that the victims of sudden disasters do not panic and if they do, the panic is short-lived. Rather, victims try to help each other. Emergency managers need the media to explain to the public the current situation as it is happening, although during a disaster a growing number of people get their news from social media. “This is why major disaster management centers maintain close links with the press: to make sure that the coverage is accurate, that it does not exaggerate …show more content…

Emergency Support Functions (ESF) supports the standard core capabilities: planning, public information and warning, and operational coordination (DHS, 2016). Since this is dealing primarily with the media ESF #15, External Affairs will coordinate the release of accurate, timely, and accessible public information to affected audiences and it works in close collaboration with state and local officials to ensure outreach to the whole community (DHS, 2016). By using the media, the government can reach all the affected people in the incident. In response to terrorist threats, FBI will establish a Joint Operations Center for the purpose of managing the investigation and coordinate the law enforcement response to resolve terrorist threats or incidents(DHS, 2016, p. 51). Furthermore, the Lead Federal Agency (LFA) will establish a Joint Information Center, which is led by the LFA's Public Information Officer, as the focal point for the coordination and provision of information to the public and media concerning the Federal response to the emergency(U.S Department of Justice,1999). This coordination will allow for the federal government to get accurate information to the public using the media and to limit the false

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