Tips for Media Interviews. Shelter Team members who are asked to participate in a media interview should take time to prepare. Consider the following recommended actions prior to speaking to media representatives. Discuss the interview with the PIO and Shelter Manager before you speak to the reporter. Give the PIO a call if he/she is not on site to discuss possible questions. Know with whom you are talking and what the story angle is before you talk to the reporter. Make a list of two to three positive points you would like to make during the interview. Be professional and polite. Look the interviewer in the eye (even if you are on the radio). Smile. You are helping people in need during a crisis—you have a good story to tell. Be truthful. to the facts. Do not offer sensitive or confidential information regarding evacuees or Shelter Team members. Be sure not to say anything you wouldn't want to be read in the newspapers—the spoken word can take on far more impact in print. Never speak "OFF THE RECORD.” Do not be afraid to say don’t know.” “I Don't attempt to answer a question about shelter operations that is not in your area. Just say, "I'm here today to talk with you about (subject). That’s not in my area of expertise." Refer questions you don't have answers to the Shelter Manager or the Public Information Officer. Good News/Human Interest Stories. In the event Shelter Team members identify human interest stories and items of possible media interest, they will ensure that the evacuees affected are willing to speak to the media and that the information is cleared through the Public Information Officer. The PIO will initiate contact with media sources. Shelters will neither solicit nor accept donations monetary or Donations. – Otherwise. All donations will be referred to the appropriate Donation Manager within ESF17 identified by the EOC. Donation management assignment varies by locality.
Tips for Media Interviews. Shelter Team members who are asked to participate in a media interview should take time to prepare. Consider the following recommended actions prior to speaking to media representatives. Discuss the interview with the PIO and Shelter Manager before you speak to the reporter. Give the PIO a call if he/she is not on site to discuss possible questions. Know with whom you are talking and what the story angle is before you talk to the reporter. Make a list of two to three positive points you would like to make during the interview. Be professional and polite. Look the interviewer in the eye (even if you are on the radio). Smile. You are helping people in need during a crisis—you have a good story to tell. Be truthful. to the facts. Do not offer sensitive or confidential information regarding evacuees or Shelter Team members. Be sure not to say anything you wouldn't want to be read in the newspapers—the spoken word can take on far more impact in print. Never speak "OFF THE RECORD.” Do not be afraid to say “I don’t know.” Don't attempt to answer a question about shelter operations that is not in your area. Just say, "I'm here today to talk with you about (subject). That’s not in my area of expertise." Refer questions you don't have answers to the Shelter Manager or the Public Information Officer. Good News/Human Interest Stories. In the event Shelter Team members identify human interest stories and items of possible media interest, they will ensure that the evacuees affected are willing to speak to the media and that the information is cleared through the Public Information Officer. The PIO will initiate contact with media sources. Donations. Shelters will neither solicit nor accept donations – monetary or Otherwise. All donations will be referred to the appropriate Donation Manager within ESF17 identified by the EOC. Donation management assignment varies by locality.
CharlottesvilleAlbemarleShelterOperationsHandbook_final%20narrative_2014.docx