Establishing Joint Information Centers

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

In 2007, Peoria County formed a regional Public Information Officer (PIO) Committee to enhance delivery of critical information to the general public in the aftermath of a large scale disaster. The PIO Committee serves a five county region and is comprised of public information representatives from agencies responsible for disaster response, rescue, and recovery. These agencies include local government, law enforcement, fire, health care, and more. In 2008, the committee began focusing its efforts on securing facilities throughout the region to serve as a Joint Information Center, or communications hub, during the aftermath of a disaster. Identifying suitable communication facilities in advance enables committee members to achieve its mission of delivering accurate information in a timely manner. Precious time is saved if committee members know where to report to coordinate public information rather than scrambling to find an appropriate location after an event.